Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), cause pain along the inner edge of the shin bone during or after exercise. It is common in teenagers who run and play sport. This page explains shin splints and how orthotic therapy, footwear and load management may help.
Medial tibial stress syndrome is exercise-related pain along the inner (medial) border of the shin bone (tibia). It is thought to relate to repetitive loading of the bone and surrounding tissues when activity increases faster than the body can adapt.
Shin splints are common in adolescents involved in running, football, basketball, netball, athletics and dance. Contributing factors can include sudden increases in training, hard surfaces, footwear and foot posture, such as flat feet.
It is important to distinguish shin splints from a tibial stress fracture, which causes more focused pain. Management often includes load changes, footwear advice, strengthening and, where foot mechanics contribute, orthotic therapy. See also our sports conditions page.
Children may not always describe symptoms clearly, so parents often notice changes in walking, activity or footwear first. Common signs include:
A podiatry assessment considers your child’s growth stage, symptoms, foot posture, walking pattern, activity levels and footwear.
Reviews running mechanics and foot posture.
Checks the pattern of tenderness along the shin.
Sport, training volume, surfaces and recent changes.
Running shoes, boots and wear patterns.
If a stress fracture is suspected.
Management is tailored to your child’s age, activity level, foot posture and goals.
Where foot posture is thought to contribute, orthotic therapy may be considered to reduce excessive pronation and help distribute load more evenly through the lower leg. Some research, mainly in adults and military populations, suggests foot orthoses may help reduce the risk of shin pain in certain groups.
Orthoses are most effective when combined with a gradual training progression, suitable footwear and strengthening.
May be considered where foot mechanics increase shin loading.
Reducing and then gradually rebuilding running load.
Sport-specific footwear with appropriate support.
Soft tissue therapy for teenagers where appropriate.
Structured progression back to full training.
Learn more about orthotic therapy, strengthening, stretching and strapping, or view all treatments. Related kids conditions include foot fatigue in sport, flat feet, tibialis posterior strain, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, patellofemoral pain.
Early changes to training load and footwear can help settle shin pain and reduce time away from sport.
Please seek medical review if pain is focused on one small spot, is present at rest or at night, causes limping, or does not settle, as a stress fracture may need to be ruled out.
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are exercise-related pain along the inner edge of the shin bone.
Where foot posture contributes, orthoses may help reduce load through the lower leg as part of a broader management plan.
Usually running is reduced rather than stopped, then gradually increased as symptoms allow.
Stress fractures usually cause pain in a small, specific spot and may hurt at rest. Imaging may be needed to tell the difference.
We create a calm, supportive space to help children feel comfortable during assessment.
Where appropriate, prefabricated and custom foot orthoses are discussed based on assessment findings.
We help parents understand what is normal, what may need monitoring, and what can be supported.
Our clinic is located at 1/50 Kitchener Parade, Bankstown, and sees families from across Sydney, including Bankstown, Condell Park, Padstow, Revesby, Lakemba and Belmore. Visit our children’s podiatry page for more kids foot conditions, read about our clinic, or contact the clinic to make an appointment enquiry.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual assessment and advice. Outcomes vary between children. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please consult your GP or a registered health practitioner.
