Shin splints are a common running overuse injury that involves inflammation of the tibia and surrounding muscles and tissues caused by repetitive stress placed on the lower leg. Shin splints commonly occur at the start of track and field season, when an athlete overexerts themselves or increases the frequency, duration, and intensity of their training too quickly such that the body cannot adjust to the stressor, leading to injury. Physical therapists can help athletes with shin splints recover pain-free movement, return to sport safely, and prevent future re-injury through a targeted exercise rehabilitation program.

Mangiarelli Rehabilitation physical therapist Sarah demonstrates three exercises you can do to address shin splint pain. Shin splints are a common athletic injury that develops due to repetitive stress placed on the tibia, causing the surrounding muscles to strain and develop microtears where they connect to the shin bone. Physical therapists can help athletes with shin splints recover pain-free movement, return to sport safely, and prevent future reinjury through a targeted exercise rehabilitation program.

Shin splints are a common soccer injury that involves inflammation of the tibia and surrounding muscles, which strain where they connect to the tibia and develop micro-tears, causing pain through the lower leg. Shin splints often occur early in the season during intense conditioning due to a rapid increase in the frequency and duration of exercise that places too much stress on the shin bone and muscles. Physical therapy can help soccer players manage shin splint-related pain, restore function and strength in the lower leg, and help athletes return to sport safely.