Quick Summary
Shin pain after increasing running needs a careful loading review. Assessment helps distinguish common overload symptoms from a bone stress injury that needs protection. Our physiotherapists in New Malden can assess your symptoms and help you choose appropriate next steps for your goals. We agree practical goals and review your progress.
Understanding Shin Splints
Shin splints, often called medial tibial stress syndrome, describes exercise-related pain along the inner shin. It usually involves a broader tender area rather than one precise spot. The term should not be used for every lower-leg pain because stress fracture and other conditions require different care.
Assessment at J&J Therapy
We review training, pain location and recovery, then assess relevant strength and function. Focal tenderness, pain with ordinary walking or pain at rest prompts medical assessment for possible stress injury before starting a running programme.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Aching along the inner border of the shin during or after running.
- Tenderness over a length of the shin.
- Symptoms associated with a recent increase in impact activity.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why symptoms may develop
Sudden changes in distance, speed, hills or training frequency can exceed current tissue capacity. Footwear and recovery may matter. Nutrition, bone health and menstrual or hormonal changes are relevant if a bone stress injury is suspected.
Treatment and rehabilitation options
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle soft tissue work may help associated calf discomfort after bone injury has been considered. We avoid deep pressure over the painful shin. Massage should not be used to mask pain so that impact training can continue unchanged. We explain the purpose and check your comfort and response throughout treatment.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not a routine first-line treatment for shin splints. Localised bone pain needs assessment before any device treatment, and an ordinary radial treatment course should not be presented as care for a suspected stress fracture. Your physiotherapist can explain the more suitable options and how their effect will be reviewed during your ongoing rehabilitation.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We reduce provocative impact, maintain suitable alternative fitness and build calf and leg capacity. Running is reintroduced gradually when walking and preparatory tasks are comfortable. The plan includes recovery and training changes rather than a generic stretch routine alone. Your home plan is adapted as your function and confidence improve.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent GP or NHS 111 advice for severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, or a hot swollen joint with fever.
- Go to A&E for an obvious deformity or a foot that becomes cold, pale or numb.
- If you have diabetes and a new foot wound, redness or swelling, contact your GP or diabetic foot team the same day; use NHS 111 if unavailable. Persistent altered sensation also needs medical review.
Your questions answered
How are shin splints different from a stress fracture?
A stress fracture often causes more localised bone tenderness and may hurt with walking or at rest. Symptoms overlap, so persistent or focal pain needs assessment.
Can I run through the pain?
Continuing the same load can worsen the problem. We help choose appropriate activity while clarifying the diagnosis and building a gradual return plan.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or recurring symptoms. We can assess the problem and agree a plan linked to your daily activities. If you have already had medical care or surgery, bring the relevant instructions.
Sports Massage may support comfort in surrounding muscles alongside rehabilitation. A new injury, unexplained swelling or persistent pain should first be assessed rather than booked as massage alone.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938. Find J&J Therapy at CI Tower, Ground Floor, New Malden.
Related conditions
Stress Fracture (Foot & Ankle) · Calf Strain / Tear
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page cannot diagnose your symptoms. Treatment is agreed after assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, use the medical services described above.