Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a common lower leg condition that presents as pain along the shin bone (tibia) – the large bone on the front of your lower leg. This condition commonly affects runners, dancers and military recruits, due to repetitive leg impact.
MTSS typically occurs in individuals who have recently intensified or change their training loads. This places heightened stress that the tibia shin bone is unable to fully adapt to, leading to pain and symptoms.
Most cases of MTSS can be treated with rest, icing and modifying your exercise routine. Other interventions such as wearing proper footwear, running gait alteration, using foot orthotics can help symptoms and prevent recurrence.
