Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Brain tumor, breast cancer, colon cancer, congenital heart disease, heart arrhythmia. Shin splints are shin black noodle soup in runners, dancers and military recruits.

Medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints often occur in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. The increased activity overworks the muscles, tendons and bone tissue. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures. Wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring. At first, the pain might stop when you stop exercising.

Eventually, however, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture. When to see a doctor Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers don’t ease your shin pain. Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

A formal video analysis of your running technique can help to identify movement patterns that can contribute to shin splints. In many cases, a slight change in your running can help decrease your risk. Too much running or other high-impact activity performed for too long at too high an intensity can overload the shins. Arch supports can help prevent the pain of shin splints, especially if you have flat arches. They might reduce shin splint symptoms and prevent recurrence. Cross-train with a sport that places less impact on your shins, such as swimming, walking or biking. Remember to start new activities slowly.

Add strength training to your workout. Exercises to strengthen and stabilize your legs, ankles, hips and core can help prepare your legs to deal with high-impact sports. Overview of running injuries of the lower extremity. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.