Canada
Australia
03 9824 8001
If you’re a runner, dancer or other high-impact sport athlete, one wrong step can be a highway to lower leg pain. We see a lot of accidental overuse injuries at Ace Sports Clinic, but there are two that stand out: shin splints and stress fractures.
While no pain should be ignored, it is important to understand what injuries can be healed with rest, and when to seek additional support.
What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, or tibial stress syndrome, describes pain in the lower leg. It can be felt anywhere along the shin bone (also known as the tibia), from your knee to your ankle.
What causes shin splints?
Shin splints develop when you place repeated stress on the muscles and tissue surrounding the tibia. They are often caused by:
- A sudden increase in the amount or intensity of your exercise
- Repetitive impacts
- Underlying issues with your feet, such as flat feet, high arches or excessive pronation
- Exercising on uneven surfaces
- Using unsupportive shoes
- History of osteoporosis or osteopenia
You can get shin splints from walking, running, or any other high-impact sport.
What are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures (also known as hairline fractures) are minuscule cracks in the bone that can occur after repeated stress over time. Stress fractures can occur anywhere, but often they’re experienced in the weight-bearing bones of your lower legs, feet, and heels.
What causes stress fractures?
Stress fractures can be caused in the same way as shin splints — through a sudden increase in exercise, improper support, or underlying health conditions. However, you are more likely to develop stress fractures if you do not properly rest after exercising.
Shin Splints vs Stress Fractures: Recognising the Signs
Because symptoms of shin splints and stress fractures often overlap, it can be difficult to determine the cause of your pain without a medical opinion.
Shin splint pain may start sporadically, occurring before, during, or after exercise. Common symptoms include:
- Pain along the inner lower leg or at the front of the shin bone
- Skin that is tender and sore to the touch
- Redness and inflammation
- Pain that worsens with activity but improves with rest
Stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, but can worsen if you continue putting pressure on the affected bone. While symptoms can mirror those of shin splints, there are some key differences to watch for:
- Pain that persists after stopping activity and does not improve with rest
- Pain that is more localised, rather than spread across the shin
- Pain that is sharper and less tolerable
How Can You Manage Persistent Shin Pain?
For mild shin pain, you can try:
- Applying an icepack to the affected area
- Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers
- Switching to low-impact activities while recovering
The best way to treat both injuries is through adequate rest. With stress fractures, this may mean avoiding physical activity for weeks or even months, and you may require additional support such as crutches or a walking boot. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Before returning to exercise, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. When you do return to physical activity, increase your intensity gradually to reduce the risk of reinjury.
Seeing a Sports Physio for Shin Pain
While shin splints are not necessarily cause for alarm, they can develop into stress fractures. If your shin pain is localised and doesn’t start to ease after a few days of rest, or if the pain is severe, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
At Ace Sports Clinic, you can consult with an experienced sports physio at any time. We can help prevent shin splints and other injuries through guided exercise plans and rehabilitation. We also provide other services such as dry needling, kinesiology, and lifestyle genetic testing to help you perform at peak physical health.
If you suspect a shin injury or are seeking preventative care advice, call us at 03 9824 8001 to start your path to recovery.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified professional for personalised guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.