Shin splints are a frequent injury for runners. They produce pain along the medial side of the shinbone (tibia). They occur due to stress on the bone, muscles, and tendons.
Shin splints typically occur when runners run too much too soon, wear the wrong shoes, or run on hard surfaces. The pain is sometimes mild and sometimes sharp and typically worsens with running. To cure shin splints, rest, ice the area, and gradually resume running. Runners can prevent shin splints by strengthening their lower legs, wearing decent shoes, and engaging in alternative forms of exercise. If left untreated, shin splints can result in stress fractures, so runners should treat them early.
