Shin Splints – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley

Key Points

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are a common cause of lower leg pain, especially in runners, dancers, and military recruits.

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They’re caused by inflammation and stress at the attachment of muscles to the shin bone.

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Symptoms include aching, tenderness, or sharp pain along the shin during or after activity.

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At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and targeted rehabilitation to relieve pain and prevent recurrence.

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What are Shin Splints?

“Shin splints” is a broad term for pain along the shin bone (tibia), most often due to overuse and repetitive stress. They usually develop when training intensity or volume is increased too quickly, or when running/walking on hard or uneven surfaces.

Shin splints can affect:

• Runners increasing distance or speed suddenly

• Athletes training on hard ground

• People with flat feet or poor footwear support

• Occupations requiring long hours of standing or marching

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Symptoms of Shin Splints

• Dull, aching pain along the inner or outer shin bone

• Tenderness when pressing the shin

• Pain during exercise that eases with rest

• Stiffness or tightness in the lower leg

• Sometimes swelling along the shin

• In severe cases, pain can persist even at rest

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Sudden increase in training load or intensity

• Running on hard or uneven surfaces

• Poor footwear or worn-out trainers

• Flat feet or overpronation

• Tight calf muscles or weak hip stabilisers

• Muscle imbalance in the lower leg

• Vitamin D deficiency or metabolic issues slowing tissue repair

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Diagnosis of Shin Splints

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Osteopathic assessment – gait analysis, strength testing, biomechanical evaluation

• Ultrasound imaging – to check for soft tissue inflammation and rule out stress fractures

• Blood tests – where recurrent or severe, to assess vitamin D, bone health, or metabolic factors

• Referral for imaging – MRI or X-ray if stress fracture is suspected

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Self-Help for Shin Splints

• Rest or reduce aggravating activities temporarily

• Ice massage after training to reduce inflammation

• Stretch calves and strengthen hips/lower legs

• Use foam rolling to release tight muscles

• Wear supportive footwear or orthotics if overpronation is present

• Gradually build training load rather than sudden increases

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic treatment – mobilising foot/ankle joints, soft tissue release
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – strengthening calves, hips, and core for running stability
✅ Sports massage – targeted deep tissue release for lower leg muscles
✅ Ultrasound imaging – to confirm diagnosis and monitor improvement
✅ Blood testing – vitamin D, calcium, and metabolic screening for recovery capacity
✅ Training & technique advice – gait analysis and load management planning

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Prevention

• Increase training gradually (no more than 10% per week)

• Wear supportive footwear and replace trainers regularly

• Stretch calves and hamstrings after activity

• Strengthen hips, glutes, and lower legs for better biomechanics

• Vary training surfaces (avoid always running on concrete)

• Maintain adequate vitamin D and nutrition for bone and muscle health

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FAQs – Shin Splints

Q: Are shin splints the same as a stress fracture?
No. Shin splints affect the soft tissue and bone surface, while stress fractures are small cracks in the bone.

Q: Can I keep running with shin splints?
Often yes, with reduced mileage and proper strengthening. However, if pain persists, rest is essential.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Not always. Ultrasound can help rule out other causes, and MRI may be needed if a stress fracture is suspected.

Q: Why are blood tests relevant?
They can reveal deficiencies such as low vitamin D or calcium, which increase stress injury risk.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let shin splints disrupt your training or daily life. Book your shin splints assessment in Bromley today and start your recovery.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available