Shin Pain and Shin Splints
Shin pain is common when people start running, increase their training or change surfaces. At Sports and Structural Podiatry in Maroochydore, we work out what is causing your shin pain, rule out a bone stress injury, and build a plan with you to keep you moving.
What it is
Types of shin pain
Shin pain can come from several structures in the lower leg, and the right treatment depends on which one is involved.
Medial tibial stress syndrome
Often called shin splints. Pain along the inside edge of the shin bone over a longer stretch, usually sore at the start of a run and after.
Bone stress injury
Pain in one small spot on the bone that gets worse with impact and may ache at rest or at night. This needs to be assessed early.
Muscle and tendon pain
Pain in the muscles at the front or back of the lower leg, often linked to a change in training or footwear.
Why it happens
What makes shin pain more likely
- Starting running, or increasing distance or frequency too quickly
- Changing from grass or trail to road, or running on a camber
- A new style of shoe or worn-out shoes
- Reduced calf and lower leg strength
- The way your feet and legs move and take load when you run
- Not eating enough to match your training load
Shin pain usually builds up when the bone and surrounding tissue are loaded faster than they can adapt. Finding which of these applies to you is the first step.
Your first visit
What happens at your shin pain assessment
Every treatment plan starts with listening. Your first appointment usually covers four things.
01
Your history
Your training, recent changes in load, surfaces and footwear, and previous injuries.
02
Examination
We examine the shin to find where the pain is coming from and whether a bone stress injury needs to be ruled out.
03
Movement and running
We look at how your feet and legs move and take load when you walk and, where relevant, when you run.
04
A clear plan
We explain what we found and agree a plan with you, including what you can keep doing while you recover.
Treatment
Shin pain treatment options
Depending on what your assessment shows, your plan may include:
Training load advice
A plan to reduce load to a level the shin tolerates, then build back up in steps.
Strength program
Exercises for the calf and lower leg, progressed over the following weeks.
Footwear advice
Guidance on running shoes that suit your feet, your training and the surfaces you run on.
Custom orthotics
Made from a 3D scan of your feet and an individual prescription, where your assessment shows they are appropriate for you.
Return to running plan
A gradual, staged return to running with clear steps so you know when it is safe to do more.
Referral where needed
If a bone stress injury is suspected, we will explain why and arrange imaging or a referral.
Your podiatrist will talk you through the options, expected benefits and any risks before you decide.
Who you will see
Experienced in sports podiatry
Alana Underwood is the principal podiatrist at Sports and Structural Podiatry. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) and a Master of Sports Medicine (Honours), and has a special interest in sports podiatry and biomechanics.
When to book
Book in if shin pain is lasting beyond a week or two, is getting worse, or is stopping you from training.
If you have pain in one spot on the shin bone that hurts to press, is getting worse with impact, or aches at night or at rest, stop running and book an assessment promptly.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Can I run through shin splints?
Sometimes at a reduced level, but it depends on the cause. Running through a bone stress injury can make it worse, so it is worth having it assessed first.
Do I need a scan?
Not always. If a bone stress injury is suspected, we will explain why and arrange imaging.
Will new shoes fix it?
Shoes can help, but shin pain is usually linked to training load as well. Most plans combine load changes, strength work and footwear advice.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with us. If your GP has referred you, please bring the referral to your appointment.
Can I claim on my health fund?
If your private health insurance includes extras cover for podiatry, you may be able to claim part of the cost. Check with your fund for your level of cover.
Book an assessment
Shop 202, Building 2, Ground Floor, 2 Emporio Place, Maroochydore QLD 4558
Book an AppointmentCall (07) 5479 1211