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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have shin splints, you may notice:
- Tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner part of your lower leg
- Mild swelling
At first, the pain may stop when you stop running or exercising. Eventually, however, the pain may be continuous.
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers don't ease your shin pain. Your primary care doctor may refer you to an orthopedist. Seek prompt medical care if:
- Severe pain in your shin follows a fall or accident
- Your shin is hot and inflamed
- Swelling in your shin seems to be getting worse
- Shin pain persists during rest
- Shin splints. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00407. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Callahan L, et al. Overview of running injuries of the lower extremity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 2, 2008.
- Handout on health: Sports injuries. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sports_Injuries/default.asp. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Wilder RP, et al. Overuse injuries: tendinopathies, stress fractures, compartment syndrome, and shin splints. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004;23:55-81.
