Condition guide
Shin Splints Physiotherapy
Assessment and treatment for shin pain related to running, impact loading, and training progression factors.
Shin splints describes exercise-related shin pain, often following changes in running or jumping. Not all shin pain is shin splints: a small, persistently painful area of bone or pain at rest needs assessment for other causes, including stress fracture. Rehabilitation starts by removing painful impact before rebuilding activity gradually; pushing through is not the aim.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
When to get urgent help
Contact NHS 111 for severe shin pain or after a shin injury. Persistent pain over a small area of bone, pain at rest or difficulty walking needs medical assessment for a possible bone stress injury. Pause painful impact activity rather than testing the leg repeatedly.
NHS: Shin splintsCommon Symptoms
Pain along the inner shin during impact activity
Tenderness after running or jumping load
Symptoms linked to recent training increase
Reduced tolerance for repetitive impact
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Focal bone pain with hopping/walking difficulty
Pain that persists at rest or night
Acute trauma with severe pain/swelling
Possible stress fracture concern
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Map whether tenderness is spread along the shin or concentrated over bone
Review recent increases in running, jumping, training frequency or surface changes
Assess walking, ankle movement and lower-leg strength when safe to do so
Arrange medical review for persistent focal pain, swelling or pain at rest
Treatment
Pause the impact activity provoking symptoms while agreeing suitable alternatives
Introduce lower-leg strengthening and movement work as symptoms allow
Review footwear and training demands without assuming one factor explains every case
Build back towards running gradually once symptoms and assessment support progression
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Do not keep running or jumping through the shin pain
Choose comfortable lower-impact activity while the painful exercise is paused
Avoid jumping straight back to your previous training volume or intensity
Seek medical assessment if pain persists, localises or occurs while resting
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shin splints the same as stress fracture?+
No. Shin pain has several possible causes. Localised bone pain, pain at rest or difficulty walking needs medical assessment for a possible bone stress injury; do not assume it is shin splints or repeatedly test it by hopping.
Should I stop all running?+
Pause running or jumping that causes the shin pain. A comfortable lower-impact activity may be suitable while you recover. Rebuild impact gradually rather than returning straight to your previous training level, and seek review if pain persists or worsens.
What contributes to shin splints?+
Load progression, recovery, surface, footwear, and tissue capacity can all contribute.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.