2006-11-9 2006-7-27 Shin splints are a common lower extremity complaint, especially among runners and other athletes. They are characterized by pain in the front or inside aspect of the lower leg due to overexertion of the muscles. The pain usually develops gradually without a history of trauma, and might begin as a dull ache along the front or inside of the shin (Tibia) after running or even walking. Small bumps and tender areas may become evident adjacent to the shin bone. The pain can become more intense if not addressed, and shin splints should not be left untreated because of an increased risk of developing stress fractures.Shin splints usually involve small tears in the leg muscles where they are attached to the shin bone. The two types of shin splints are: anterior shin splints, in the front portion of the tibia; and posterior shin splints, occurring on the inside of the leg along the tibia. 148271 text/html 1.0 EN Shin Splints Treatment and Prevention The best way to prevent shin splints is to stretch and strengthen the leg muscles wear footwear with good shock absorption wear footwear with good shock absorption and avoid running on hard surfaces or excessive running or jumping on the ball-of-the-foot Insoles or orthotics that offer arch support for over-pronation are also important Shin Splints Treatment and Prevention text