Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Shin Splints?
A primary care doctor or a sports medicine doctor, who treats sports injuries, can diagnose and treat shin splints. An orthopedic doctor, who treats bone and muscle problems, or a physical therapist, a trained exercise and recovery expert, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is shin splints?
Shin splints is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, which is also called the tibia. The medical name is medial tibial stress syndrome. It is inflammation (irritation) of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. It is a common exercise-related problem.
Runners have the highest risk. Dancers and military recruits are two other groups often diagnosed with it.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain along the edge of the tibia. Mild swelling in the area may also occur.
The pain can be sharp or dull. It can happen both during and after exercise. Touching the sore spot can make it hurt more. The pain gets better with rest. The pain can be in one or both legs.
With severe shin splints, your legs may hurt even when you are not walking.
Causes and who gets it
Shin splints are an overuse problem. They start when the muscle and bone tissue in the leg get overworked by repeating the same activity. They often happen after sudden changes in physical activity. Examples are exercising more days each week, running longer distances, or running hills after only running on flat ground.
Other things raise the risk too:
- Having flat feet or very stiff arches.
- Wearing improper or worn-out shoes.
- Working out on hard surfaces, like a street or a hard court.
- Being a new runner.
Running shoes lose over half of their shock-absorbing ability after 250 miles (400 kilometers) of use.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor first talks with you about your symptoms and medical history. Then the doctor examines your lower leg. The doctor checks for pain and tenderness along the inner border of the tibia. An accurate diagnosis is very important, because other problems can slow healing.
Your doctor may order imaging tests, which take pictures inside the body, to rule out other shin problems. Other causes of shin pain include:
- A stress fracture, which is a small crack in the tibia caused by stress and overuse. A bone scan and an MRI scan will often show it.
- Tendinitis, which happens when the tendons that attach muscles to bones become inflamed.
- Chronic exertional compartment syndrome, an uncommon condition. Pressure builds up inside the leg muscles during exercise, and the pain usually goes away soon after the activity stops.
Treatment
Rest is the standard treatment. It usually means several weeks away from the activity that caused the pain. You can swim, use a stationary bike, or use an elliptical trainer in the meantime. MedlinePlus says to expect at least 2 to 4 weeks of rest from your sport or exercise.
Other steps can help with pain and swelling:
- Cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, which lower pain and swelling.
- Stretching your lower leg muscles.
- Orthotics, which are shoe inserts, if you have flat feet or shin splints that keep coming back.
- Working with a physical therapist, who can teach exercises to strengthen your leg muscles.
Pain medicines have side effects and can cause ulcers and bleeding, so talk with your doctor first. Be pain-free for at least 2 weeks before you go back to exercise. Go back slowly, and stop right away if the same pain returns.
When to see a doctor
Shin splints are most often not serious. Contact your doctor if:
- You still have pain after several weeks of rest, icing, and pain relievers.
- You are not sure the pain comes from shin splints.
- Swelling in your lower legs is getting worse.
- Your shin is red and feels hot to the touch.
Your doctor may take an x-ray or do other tests to make sure you do not have a stress fracture.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine your leg, look for other causes of shin pain, and help you reach a physical therapist or sports medicine doctor.
Common questions
How long do shin splints take to heal?
MedlinePlus says shin splints can take 3 to 6 months to heal completely. Do not rush back to your sport, because you could injure yourself again.
Can I keep exercising with shin splints?
Only with low-impact exercise, and only if it does not hurt, such as swimming, an elliptical machine, or biking.
Are shin splints the same as a stress fracture?
No. A stress fracture is a small crack in the tibia caused by stress and overuse, and it is a different cause of shin pain. A doctor may check for one if your shin splints do not respond to treatment.
Do shoes make a difference for shin splints?
Yes. Wearing shoes with good cushioning and support helps reduce stress on your shins.
How can I stop shin splints from coming back?
Increase your training slowly, and warm up and stretch before and after exercise. Add low-impact exercise such as swimming or biking, and avoid hard surfaces.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Shin Splints
- MedlinePlus - Shin splints - self-care
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
