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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Shin Splints

Shin Splints

Alternate Names : Tibial Tendinitis

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


Shin splints is a term used to describe pain in the front of the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle.

What is going on in the body?

The term shin splints refers to the pain in the lower leg. This pain can be caused by a number of factors, including the following:

  • a stress fracture, which is a small break in one of the lower leg bones
  • tendinitis, or inflammation of one of the tendons that connects bone to muscle
  • What are the causes and risks of the condition?

    Shin splints are generally caused by some form of vigorous athletic activity. They can result from overtraining during an exercise program. When the person exercises often without proper conditioning, the lower leg is unable to withstand the chronic stress. People who do sprinting or long-distance running are at risk for shin splints. Activities that involve sudden starts, stops, and jumps also increase the risk for shin splints. These include:

  • basketball
  • gymnastics
  • high-impact aerobics
  • soccer
  • tennis
  • volleyball

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    Shin Splints: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Bill O'Halloran, DPM
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 06/26/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006