Shin splints
Pain in the shins during exercise
A condition often associated with high impact activities such as running or dance
What are shin splints?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of shin splints? icon plus
You may have shin splints if you experience pain down the front of your lower legs. It's most likely to be shin splints if:
- you notice pain soon after you start to exercise
- you can feel it in both shins
- it covers an area the size of a matchbox or greater
- it feels dull and more like an ache at first, but becomes sharper and more severe over time
- it fades once you stop exercising, although it can become more constant over time
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Screening and diagnosis icon plus
If you think you have shin splints and are worried, it's best to talk to your consultant or GP. They may ask you about factors which could contribute to shin splints.
These might include a change of exercise routine, for example if you've started running further or have taken up a new sport. Should you be experiencing severe pain, your GP or consultant may take an X-ray. This is to make sure you don't have a stress fracture. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
The best way to treat shin splints is to rest. Your consultant or GP may also recommend changes to your lifestyle or exercise routine. This could include trying lower impact activities or using more supportive footwear.
They may also refer you for a course of physiotherapy. Having flat feet or feet that roll inwards can be a factor with shin splints. If you experience these, you may wish to speak to a podiatrist.
Our knee consultants
Our locations
From complex orthopaedic surgery to tests and diagnosing procedures, we provide exceptional sports care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344