Shin splints is a common term used to describe pain felt on the front of the lower leg (the shin) during or after exercise. There are three types of shin pain including inflammation of the thin membrane surrounding the bone of the shin caused by trauma or repetitive strain; compartment syndrome (swelling of the muscles in the compartment) due to overuse; or bone strain from excessive stress on the bone due to poor biomechanics. If left untreated these injuries can develop into stress fractures of the tibia (the shin bone)

What is the best treatment?

Physiotherapy can help regenerate the bone after trauma and find the cause of the repetitive strain. In this case, strengthening exercises, proprioception exercises and footwear advice will help. Corrective insoles may be needed.

A video biomechanical analysis that can be done in the clinic can be useful in determining whether this is the case.