Shin Pain
Shin pain usually (but not always) develops gradually over time and often through overuse. Shin splints is not a specific injury, but a term used to describe shin pain, of which there are many causes. These include medial tibial stress syndrome, tibial stress fracture and compartment syndromes.
Click where it hurts
Click on the lower leg go directly to specific injuries.
Inside of the shin (Medial Shin Pain)
Browse the most common causes of pain on the inside of the shin. The term shin splints often refers to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome.
Medial tibial stress syndrome
The most common cause of pain on the inside of the shin. Symptoms include gradual onset pain on the inside of the lower part of the tibia (shin bone).
Tibia Stress Fracture
A Tibia stress fracture is a hairline fracture of the bone caused by overuse. Symptoms are similar to medial tibial stress syndrome with pain along the inside of the shin.
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Outside Shin Pain
Sports injuries causing pain on the outside of the shin.
Anterior Compartment Syndrome
Anterior compartment syndrome occurs when muscles in the front of the lower leg swell within their surrounding sheath, increasing pressure and causing pain.
Fibula Fracture
A Fibula fracture is a break of the thinner fibula bone on the outside of the lower leg. It can be a gradually occuring stress fracture, or a traumatic acute injury.
Tibialis Anterior Strain
A strain of the tibialis anterior muscle with symptoms of localised pain along the muscle on the front/outer shin, worse when lifting the foot or walking uphill.
When should I see a Doctor?
It is rare that thigh injuries need to be seen by a doctor. Most are muscular injuries that heal given the appropriate treatment and rest. However, there are certain circumstances and conditions in which case it is a good idea to seek medical advice:
- Very severe pain following a high-impact collision or impact
- Inability to straighten or bend your knee and a palpable gap
- Altered sensation
- Long term injury or one which recurs
Less common causes of shin pain
The following are less common causes of shin pain, but important not to miss.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a blood clot in a vein, commonly seen in the calf muscle are. It is more common following surgery or long-haul flights. The main symptom is constant pain and tenderness at a point deep in the muscle. However, it is important not to miss as It is essential that a DVT is correctly diagnosed because if the blood clot comes loose, then it could find its way into the heart causing serious injury or death.
Popliteal artery entrapment
Popliteal artery entrapment is also more likely to appear as calf pain. However, pain may be felt on the outside of the shin in the anterior compartment or the big muscle on the outside of the shin.
Referred pain
This is where a problem or injury elsewhere causes pain in the shin. For example from the spine, the ankle joint, from a cyst on the knee cartilage, or from a Baker’s cyst. A Bakers cyst is a swelling behind the knee and, although this can cause symptoms, it is not particularly common.
Osgood Schlatter disease
Osgood Schlatter disease is a painful injury of the knee affecting children between the ages of 8 and 15 years old. Pain is felt on the bumpy bit at the top of the shin but may radiate down.
Pes anserine bursitis
Pes anserine bursitis is inflammation of a bursa or sack of fluid on the inside of the knee. Pain is more usually felt on the inside of the knee rather than the shin.
Other less common causes of shin pain in the athlete include:
- Femoral endarteritis
- Atherosclerotic disease
- Proximal tibiofibular subluxation
- Cramp
Important – do not miss
The following conditions rarely cause shin pain, however, a doctor or professional practitioner should be aware of them, particularly if your shin pain is persistent or not responding to conventional treatments.
- Syphilis
- Sickle-cell anemia
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Sarcoidosis
- Rickets
- Paget’s disease of the bone
- Erythema nodosum
- Infections such as osteomyelitis or cellulitis may cause pain.
Tumours of bone and soft tissue are rare, but most likely occur in athletes in their 20s and 30s. Osteosarcomata can occur at the ends of the long bones, particularly of the lower leg causing joint pain.
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Thigh Injury Rehabilitation Programs
Step-by-step thigh injury rehab programs for the following:
Hamstring Strain Rehabilitation
Pulled hamstring rehab program is suitable for mild to moderate grade 1 or 2 injuries. Whether it is a recent injury or you have suffered for some time we take you step by step from injury to full fitness. Ideal for both beginner and elite-level athletes.
Groin Strain Rehabilitation
Groin rehab program suitable for anyone with a groin strain, whether acute, chronic, or recurring. It is based on the rehabilitation methods Paul Tanner uses with professional footballers, adapted into a clear step-by-step plan.
