Introduction
Shin splints is a type of shin pain, usually caused by exercise. It's not serious and there are things you can do to help get better.
Check if you have shin splints
Shin splints usually happen when you do exercise like running.
You'll have pain and tenderness along the front of your lower leg (shin).
Things you can do to help with shin splints
Shin splints usually get better within a few weeks. There are things you can do to get better quicker.
Do
use painkillers such as paracetamol ↗ or ibuprofen ↗ gel (or ibuprofen tablets if you need them) to ease the pain
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen vegetables) in a towel on your shin for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
switch to gentle exercise such as yoga or swimming while healing
exercise on soft ground, if you can, when you're feeling better
make sure your trainers or shoes support your feet properly
Don't
do not continue doing the exercise that caused your shin splints
do not rush back into exercise at the level you were at – build your exercise routine back up slowly
See a GP if:
- you've tried things to help with shin splints but the pain is getting worse or it's not getting better
Treatment for shin splints from a GP
If a GP thinks you have shin splints they'll ask about your symptoms and examine your leg. If it's not getting better, they may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy ↗ is available free of charge on the NHS throughout the UK but waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.
Get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have shin splints and the pain is severe
- you've injured your shin
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online ↗.
Causes of shin splints
Shin splints happen when you've put too much stress on your leg.
You're more likely to get shin splints if:
- you have started exercising after not being active for some time
- you run or jump on hard surfaces
- you do not have a good running technique