Shin Splints (medial tibial stress)
Also known as: shin splints, medial tibial stress syndrome, shin pain running
Shin splints is aching pain along the inner shin bone, classically with a rapid training increase. Load management, footwear and calf strength resolve most — but focal worsening pain can mean a stress fracture, which needs imaging. Chinese medicine treats exertional qi-blood strain, cold-damp and stasis patterns alongside.
Plain-English one-pager you can print or hand to a patient. Free, no sign-in needed.
Lifestyle & Diet
- •Reduce load early; build calf and hip strength.
- •Check footwear and running surface.
- •Gradual return — bone adapts slowly.
- •Focal worsening pain needs imaging for stress fracture.
When to reassess or seek care again
Review at 4 weeks: pain with loading, strength progress. Escalate focal pain to imaging.
Explore more diseases
Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- National Library of Medicine · 2024
- NHS · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.