Shin splint is the common term for medial tibial stress syndrome. It refers to pain felt anywhere along the shinbone from knee to ankle. People who play sports that involve a lot of running are particularly prone to this injury. One of the most common reasons for this pain is overuse, such as trying to exercise beyond your current level of fitness. Shin splints are the most prevalent lower leg injury and affect a broad range of individuals.

Pain felt on the inner side of the shinbone is called 'medial shin splints', while the term 'anterior shin splints' refers to pain felt on the outer side. While medial shin splints are more common, pain may be felt on both sides of the shinbone in severe cases.

• Overuse. Overuse is one of the most common causes of shin splints. Exercising too hard or trying to exercise beyond your current level of fitness can strain muscles, tendons, bones and joints. It can also cause irritated and swollen muscles.
• Flat feet or over pronation. The shin muscles are involved in maintaining the instep or arch of the foot. Flat feet can pull at the shin tendons and cause slight tearing.
• Incorrect technique. Poor running form, such as 'rolling' the feet inwards (pronation), can strain the muscles and tendons.
• High impact activities. The impact of running on hard or uneven surfaces can injure the shin muscles and tendons.
• Running shoes. Wearing the wrong type of shoe while running can contribute to shin splints.
• Stress fractures. Stress fractures which are tiny breaks in the lower leg bones.
• Weakness. Weakness in the stabilizing muscles of the hips or core.

• Orthotics. Custom Orthotics to correct flat feet and overpronation.
• Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy corrects biomechanical factors, such as tight or imbalanced muscles.
• The application of cold pack or ice.
• Brace and taping are also recommended.

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