Questions and Answers

Q: What are shin splints?

Shin splints is a term that is used to describe pain in the lower leg that occurs during exercise, often on the inside border of the (tibia) shin bone. It has many causes and can affect athletes at all fitness levels. >Beginning runners can develop the problem as they are not accustomed to the activity, and seasoned athletes can develop it if they change running surfaces or shoes. As such, treatment must be individualized, but an important component of rehab for most all cases is a good stretching program, before and after exercising. Also a program of exercises to progressively strengthen the muscles is usually recommended.

Return to questions