Shin splints

Shin splints is the name given, often inaccurately, to any exercise-related pain in the lower leg.  The pain may be felt in different parts of the leg and may be associated with tingling or numbness.

Many athletes suffer from shin splints, which can be due to a number of different medical conditions including medial tibial stress syndrome (true shin splints), periostitis, stress fractures of the tibia and chronic compartment syndrome. Most are caused by overuse superimposed on a background of abnormal biomechanics in the leg or foot. 

Treatment of shin splints depends upon the disease process concerned, but most cases respond well to a combination of physiotherapy and biomechanical management with orthotics (insoles).