Shin Splints Physiotherapy
Shin splints is a term commonly used to describe pain or tenderness along the shin during running, repetitive jumping or other impact activities. Symptoms may become more noticeable after increases in running distance, speed or training load and can gradually affect running and other weight-bearing activities.
If pain begins suddenly at the back of the calf during running, acceleration or jumping rather than developing along the shin, you may also refer to [Calf Strain Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Pain or tenderness along the inner or front part of the shin
- Symptoms becoming more noticeable during running, jumping or repetitive impact
- Pain developing after increases in running distance, speed or training load
- Symptoms that may be mild initially but become clearer as activity continues
- Symptoms that settle after stopping but return with running or impact activity
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at the location and extent of the pain, when symptoms occur, and whether running distance, speed, frequency or training load has changed recently. Where appropriate, ankle movement, calf and lower-limb strength, single-leg loading, gait and running-related movement may also be assessed to understand current loading tolerance and factors associated with the symptoms.
If pain is very focal over one area of the shin, becomes markedly worse with weight-bearing, persists at rest or progressively worsens, further medical assessment may be appropriate to consider a stress fracture or another condition.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include modification of activity and running load, calf and lower-limb strengthening, and graded return to running, jumping and other impact activities according to symptom response and loading tolerance. Where relevant, gait, lower-limb loading, footwear and training factors may also be considered as part of rehabilitation.
If symptoms repeatedly occur during running or weight-bearing and gait or lower-limb loading needs further assessment, you may also refer to [Foot & Lower Limb Biomechanical Assessment].
Related Conditions
Calf Strain
Achilles Tendinopathy
Runner’s Knee
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.