Shin splint

Shin muscle

The shinbone [or tibia] is the large bone in the front of the lower part of the leg.

Shin splints [or medial tibial stress syndrome] refers to pain along or just behind the shinbone. This injury may occur when muscles at the front of the shins are subjected to increased workload. In other words, shin splints are a type of "overuse injury" to the legs.

Pain can be experienced anywhere along the lower leg, from the knee to the ankle. However, pain felt on the inner side of the shinbone is called 'medial shin splints', while pain felt on the outer side of the leg is called 'anterior shin splints'.

Shin splints are common in running sports and activities with sudden stops and starts, as well as sports that apply extreme pressure to the legs. 10-15% of running injuries are shin splints.

When you return to exercise, you should do so gradually over a few weeks. Running on soft, level ground, and wearing sturdy shoes with insoles for arch support., should also help avoid a recurrence of the injury.

SportsMed TENS therapy for Shin splints

After a diagnosis of a shin splint your injury management plan should include treatment as often as possible.

SportsMed is the TENS, ECS and EMS machine we suggest to aid repair of a shin splint.

SportsMed electrotherapy can be used everyday - outside the clinic - for drug-free, on-demand pain relief. It is also designed and programmed to aid circulation, reduce inflammation, hasten healing and help with muscle strengthening.

User guide

Please read the User Guide which comes with your TENS unit

Pad placement - Shin splint injuries

Pain relief - place pads where they are comfortable and most effective for pain relief

Injury healing - pads are placed at the location of the injury

Muscle rehabilitation - the generic advice is to place one pad at the top of the muscle and the second pad one-third along the length of the muscle you wish to strengthen. You may need to consult your physiotherapist for specific guidance on which muscles to target.

If you have any questions please phone our office for further advice.