Shin splints actually encompass two main conditions. The pain at the front and side of the lower leg can often be sharp and debilitating and lead to the need to stop all sports.

Shin splints were thought to be caused by a lack of shock absorption. This is a very simple explanation and usually a very small part of the cause. Most often shin splints are caused by abnormal lower leg function that leads to either of two muscles at the front and side of the lower leg working overtime, producing pain when these muscles pull away from the shin bone (tibia).

Assessment and treatment – At Bio Podiatry our podiatrists can assess the structure and function of the lower leg to ascertain what is causing these muscles to overwork. This may be due to tight musculature, weak musculature or abnormal motion, such as excess pronation (flat feet).

Our podiatrists firstly carry out gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. Once the cause of the shin splints is identified, the condition can be rectified via stretching and strengthening exercises, gait retraining, shoe advice and orthotics, if required.