Precision Performance Physical Therapy

Shin Splints, aka Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, are a soft tissue irritation often due to overtraining. Pain occurs during activity, but may improve with activity. Pain is often more diffuse.

Stress Fractures are a bone injury due to an imbalance of stress to the bone and not enough time for recovery, another way to say overtraining. Pain occurs during activity. May have pain at night. Pain is more localized to a smaller spot. Treatment involves stopping the provoking activity until pain subsides, possible immobilization and/or weight bearing restrictions.

More treatment ideas: See a PT for a running analysis and guidance in a gradual return to running once pain free. Check your nutrition! Eat enough protein and check vitamin D and calcium levels for bone health. Have your footwear assessed. Monitor training loads. Run on softer surfaces.

See a doctor if:
pain that doesn’t improve following rest and a slow progression back to activity
experiencing pain while at rest or only in a localized area
tenderness over the tibia (shin) bone