Shin Splints: Why They Happen and How We Treat Them

Have you ever felt that nagging ache along the front of your lower leg? Maybe you noticed it after a run or when you were upping your training. That might be what we call shin splints. I’ve seen this more times than I can count in the clinic at Dublin 9—and the good news is, you can get ahead of it. In this post I’ll explain why shin splints happen and how we as podiatrists treat them, in language that makes sense.

What exactly are shin splints?

Shin splints is a loose term often used for pain along the shin‑bone (the tibia). Technically, one of the most common underlying issues is called Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).

When you walk, run or jump, your lower‑leg muscles absorb a lot of shock. If they’re overworked, or if your foot mechanics are off, the tissue around the shin‑bone can become irritated, inflamed and painful.

Why do shin splints happen?

There are a few common culprits:

• Increasing your activity too fast (“too much, too soon”)—for example long runs or hard sessions without build‑up.

• Hard surfaces, unsupportive footwear or worn‑out shoes that don’t absorb impact.

• Foot biomechanics: flat feet, over‑pronation (foot rolling inward), high arches—all can add extra stress to your lower leg.

• Muscle tightness or weakness in the calves, shins or hips which means other tissues pick up the slack and get overloaded.

How a podiatrist can help

When you come to a foot clinic Dublin 9 for shin‑pain, here’s what typically happens:

1. History & assessment – We ask what you’ve been doing, check your shoes, examine how you walk and run, and assess your feet and lower leg.

2. Identify the cause – Is it just training load, or is there a mechanical issue (foot alignment, footwear) that’s making things worse?

3. Treatment plan – Based on what we find, we might suggest:

   • Rest or reduce the stress‑activity for a short time.

   • Ice, gentle massage or manual therapy to ease the irritation.

   • Footwear advice and possibly custom orthotics to correct foot mechanics.

   • Stretching and strengthening exercises for your lower leg and foot—this helps prevent recurrence.

   • Gradual return to activity once your symptoms improve, rather than rushing back in.

Practical treatment tips you can start today

• Check your shoes: Are they showing signs of wear? Do they feel supportive when you run or walk?

• When you feel pain: ease off the activity that flares it. Try a lower‑impact exercise for a week or two.

• Use an ice pack on the shin for 10‑20 minutes after activity if you notice soreness.

• Add in calf stretches and lower‑leg strengthening (e.g., heel raises, toe walks).

• Consult a podiatrist (especially if the pain lasts more than a week or keeps recurring) so you don’t end up with something worse, like a stress fracture.

When to seek professional help

If the pain is sharp, persistent, present even at rest, or your leg feels weak or swollen—don’t ignore it. These could be signs of a stress fracture or another condition. A podiatrist or specialist can help rule these out.

Conclusion

So, shin splints don’t have to be a “normal” part of training. With the right support—good footwear, gradual training, and a podiatrist’s help—you can reduce the pain, correct the underlying causes, and get back to doing what you love. If you’re in the Dublin 9 area and want help with your lower‑leg pain, drop in at our clinic and let’s get you walking comfortably again.