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Shin Splints: Physical Therapy in Brooklyn for Runners and Active People

By Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT · · 4 min read

New to running, training for a race, or suddenly walking much more than usual? Pain along the inside edge of your shinbone may be shin splints. It's a common complaint among runners, dancers, military recruits and anyone who ramps up activity quickly. While shin splints are usually not serious, ignoring them can lead to a longer layoff, and in some cases a stress fracture. Physical therapy helps you understand the cause, calm symptoms and return to activity with a smarter plan.

What Are Shin Splints?

"Shin splints" is the common name for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), pain along the inner border of the tibia (shinbone), usually in the lower half of the leg. It's thought to be a stress reaction of the bone and surrounding tissues to repetitive loading that exceeds their ability to adapt.

Common Symptoms

  • Dull, aching pain along the inside edge of the shin, usually over a length of several centimeters
  • Pain at the start of exercise that may ease as you warm up, then return afterward
  • Tenderness when pressing along the shinbone
  • Mild swelling in some cases
  • Pain that worsens over time if training continues unchanged

Shin Splints vs. Stress Fracture

A stress fracture is a more serious overuse injury. Warning signs include:

  • Pain focused in one small spot rather than along a long stretch of bone
  • Pain that persists at rest or at night
  • Pain with walking or even standing
  • Pain that is getting progressively worse

If any of these apply, see a physician. Imaging may be needed.

What Causes Shin Splints?

  • Training errors — the most common cause: increasing mileage, speed or frequency too quickly
  • Hard surfaces — running on concrete sidewalks
  • Footwear — worn-out or poorly fitting shoes
  • Running mechanics — overstriding and heavy heel strikes increase load on the shin
  • Weakness — in the calves, hips and core
  • Foot posture — flatter feet are associated with higher risk in some studies
  • Low energy availability — not eating enough to support training can affect bone health, particularly in female athletes
  • Previous shin splints or stress fractures

How Physical Therapy Helps

Evaluation

Your therapist will identify where the pain is and what pattern it follows, review your training load and footwear, assess strength and flexibility, and often watch you walk and run. They'll screen for signs of a stress fracture and refer you to a physician if needed.

Treatment May Include

  • Load modification — reducing running volume or switching temporarily to low-impact cross-training
  • Calf and foot strengthening — to help absorb load
  • Hip and core strengthening — to improve control of the whole leg
  • Running gait retraining — such as increasing step rate slightly to reduce impact
  • Soft tissue work and mobility — for the calf and ankle
  • A graded return-to-run program — with clear rules for progressing

What You Can Do at Home

  • Reduce or pause running until pain with daily activity settles. Use cycling, swimming or an elliptical to maintain fitness.
  • Ice the shin for 10 to 15 minutes after activity if it helps.
  • Strengthen your calves with slow, controlled calf raises.
  • Check your shoes. Replace them if they're worn out.
  • Vary surfaces. Mix in tracks or trails instead of only concrete.
  • Increase training gradually. Avoid large week-to-week jumps in mileage.
  • Fuel your training with enough food and nutrients to support bone health.

When to See a Physical Therapist

Consider an evaluation if:

  • Shin pain lasts more than a week or two
  • It keeps returning whenever you run
  • You're training for a race and want to stay on track
  • You need a structured return-to-run plan

See a physician if pain is in one specific spot, hurts at rest or at night, makes walking painful, or if you notice significant swelling, numbness or a feeling of tightness and pressure in the leg during exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run through shin splints?

Running through worsening pain often prolongs the problem and raises the risk of a stress fracture. Modifying your training is usually the better route.

How long do shin splints last?

With proper load management, many people improve in several weeks. Returning too fast is the most common reason they come back.

Will new shoes fix shin splints?

Shoes can help, but they rarely solve the problem alone. Training load, strength and mechanics matter more. Runners with knee pain may also want to read about runner's knee.

Ready to get started? Call the Refuah office nearest you

Schedule an evaluation by phone, or book online at refuahpt.com.

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About the author. Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Refuah Physical & Occupational Therapy, with offices in Midwood and Boro Park, Brooklyn, and on Staten Island.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Everyone’s situation is different. Talk with your physician or a licensed physical therapist about your symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.

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