Medial tibial stress syndrome — the runner's complaint that is a warning worth listening to.
Shin splints describe pain along the inner border of the shin bone, caused by bone and surrounding tissue being loaded faster than they can adapt. It sits on a spectrum, and at the far end of that spectrum is a stress fracture, which is why pain that becomes focal and sharp needs assessment rather than perseverance.
Load management first — establishing what you can run without provoking it, which is rarely zero. Then calf and foot strengthening and a graded return. A gait scan tells us whether mechanics are contributing.
Several weeks to a few months, depending on how long it has been building and how disciplined the graded return is.
Pain that has become sharp and focal to one small area, hurts when you hop on that leg, or persists at rest, needs assessment and possibly imaging. Diffuse ache over a longer stretch of bone is more typical of shin splints. We check.
Usually at a reduced dose, and often on softer surfaces. Complete rest means starting the adaptation from scratch when you return.
Rarely on their own. Footwear is one variable among load, strength and surface; changing it alone tends to move the problem rather than solve it.
Not sure this is what you have? That is exactly what an assessment is for — and if it turns out to be something else, we will tell you.
Related: Runner's knee · Achilles tendinopathy · Physiotherapy at Forge West End
No referral is needed for a private appointment. Bring one only if you are claiming through Medicare, DVA, WorkCover or insurance.
Unit 4, 249 Montague Road — a short run from South Brisbane, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Woolloongabba and South Bank, and from the CBD across the river.
Can’t get to the clinic? We also offer physiotherapy home visits across the same area, with travel included in the fee.
Book your assessment at Forge West End and start a plan built around your goals — not a generic exercise sheet.
Unit 4, 249 Montague Road, West End QLD 4101 · No referral needed for a private appointment · HICAPS on site
