Shin splints

Shin splints usually happen when you do exercise like running. You'll have pain and tenderness along the front of your lower leg (shin).

Shin splints usually get better within a few weeks. There are things you can do to get better quicker. Do use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if you need them) to ease the pain put an ice pack (or bag of frozen vegetables) in a towel on your shin for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours switch to gentle exercise such as yoga or swimming while healing exercise on soft ground, if you can, when you're feeling better warm up before exercise and stretch after exercise make sure your trainers or shoes support your feet properly Don’t do not continue doing the exercise that caused your shin splints do not rush back into exercise at the level you were at – build your exercise routine back up slowly

Shin splints can usually be diagnosed by examining your leg and asking about your symptoms. If your symptoms are not getting better, you may need physiotherapy . Physiotherapy is available free of charge on the NHS throughout the UK but waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.

Shin splints happen when you've put too much stress on your leg. You're more likely to get shin splints if: you have started exercising after not being active for some time you run or jump on hard surfaces you do not have a good running technique