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Shin pain

Also called: Shin splints, medial tibial stress syndrome, stress fracture

Shin pain is often shin splints, pain along the inner edge of the shinbone from running or jumping. It usually improves with rest. Pain in one spot that gets worse may be a stress fracture. Severe pain and tightness after an injury may be compartment syndrome, an emergency.

Common causesShin splints, stress fracture, muscle strain
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifPain in one spot, or severe tightness
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Shin splints cause aching along the inner shin during and after exercise, common with new or increased running, hard surfaces, and worn shoes.

Stress fractures cause pain at one spot that worsens with activity and may hurt at rest. Compartment syndrome causes severe pain, tightness, and numbness from pressure inside the muscles.

When to get medical care

Call 911Severe pain, tightness, and numbness after an injury.
Get care todayPain at rest or at night. Can't bear weight. Swelling after an injury.
See a doctor soonPain not improving after 2 weeks of rest. Pain in one tender spot.

Causes

Causes include shin splints, stress fractures, muscle strain, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and blood clots.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause shin pain. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Shin splintsOften treated at home

    Pain along the inner edge of the shin bone from overuse, often after running more or on harder surfaces.

Less likely causes

  • AdamantinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A very rare, slow-growing bone cancer, almost always in the shinbone (tibia) of young adults.

What you can do at home

  • Rest from running for 2 to 4 weeks.
  • Ice after activity.
  • Switch to swimming or biking.
  • Get new shoes every 300 to 500 miles.
  • Increase training slowly.

Medicines

Ibuprofen or naproxen help. Stress fractures may need a boot and longer rest.

At the doctor

The provider will check for a stress fracture.

Questions you may be asked

  • Activity
  • Where it hurts
  • Pain at rest

The exam

An exam pressing on the bone.

Tests

  • X-ray
  • MRI or bone scan

Prevention

Train smart.

  • Increase mileage slowly
  • Wear good shoes
  • Cross-train

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.