Shin pain is a very common lower leg complaint that usually manifests itself as shin splints. Shin splints are characterized by pain in the front or side of the lower leg, particularly near the shin and often involve small tears of the leg muscle near the shin bone.

It is especially common among people involved in athletic pursuits such as running and walking, although non athletic activities such as standing all day at work can also lead to shin splints. Symptoms include tightness, tenderness on palpation of the edge of the shin bone (tibia) and throbbing of the shins during and after activity. The symptoms often disappear at rest then return as soon as activity is resumed.

However, should shin splints progress they may eventually present as stress fractures, which will not only affect your sporting performance but interrupt your training plan. While causes can vary, it is highly recommended that all shin pain sufferers are professionally examined to assess if any poor biomechanics, training schedules and/or dietary issues are predisposing you to shin injury.

Common Shin Injuries & Conditions