Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with S > Shin Splints > Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Shin Splints


Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Shin splints is a term used to describe pain in the front of the lower leg, between the knee and the ankle.

What is going on in the body?

The term shin splints refers to the pain in the lower leg. This pain can be caused by a number of factors, including the following:

  • a stress fracture, which is a small break in one of the lower leg bones
  • tendinitis, or inflammation of one of the tendons that connects bone to muscle
  • What are the causes and risks of the condition?

    Shin splints are generally caused by some form of vigorous athletic activity. They can result from overtraining during an exercise program. When the person exercises often without proper conditioning, the lower leg is unable to withstand the chronic stress. People who do sprinting or long-distance running are at risk for shin splints. Activities that involve sudden starts, stops, and jumps also increase the risk for shin splints. These include:

  • basketball
  • gymnastics
  • high-impact aerobics
  • soccer
  • tennis
  • volleyball

  • HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement