How to prepare for a video visit about Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Audience: adult

Shin splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. This pain often happens in people who have recently increased their physical activity, especially running or jumping. Preparing for a video visit about shin splints helps you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, physical activities, and any treatments you've tried. You may be guided on ways to reduce pain, prevent further injury, and improve healing. While telemedicine can support education, advice, and follow-up, some cases may need in-person care for physical examination or imaging tests. Preparing well and knowing when to seek urgent care ensures your safety and better outcomes.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe leg pain that does not improve with rest — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or fever indicating possible infection — get immediate care.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot — urgent assessment needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Visual inspection of the lower leg via video.
• Providing education on shin splints and self-care advice.
• Recommending rest, ice, compression, and elevation techniques.
• Guiding gentle stretching and strengthening exercises.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is necessary.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical palpation or detailed physical examination.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Diagnosing fractures, infections, or other serious conditions.
• Administering injections or physical treatments.
• Providing emergency care for severe complications.

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints refer to pain along the inner part of your lower leg, near the shinbone (tibia). This pain usually happens after repetitive stress on the leg, such as running, jumping, or walking long distances. It is a common injury, especially among athletes and active individuals. The pain may start as mild and worsen with activity.

Common Symptoms to Discuss

During your video visit, be ready to describe your symptoms clearly. Common signs include:

Sharing when the pain started and what activities you do helps your provider understand your condition.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows your healthcare provider to:

This approach saves time and helps you manage your condition safely at home.

When In-Person Care May Be Needed

Some situations require hands-on evaluation or tests, such as:

If these occur, your provider will advise you to visit a clinic or emergency care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare:

This preparation helps your provider assess you better.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for your video visit.
• Wear shorts or clothing that allows easy viewing of your lower legs.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and what activities cause pain.
• Prepare any questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Ensure your device’s camera and microphone are working properly.
• Have any previous medical records or notes about your leg pain available, if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the self-care advice provided, such as rest and ice application.
• Perform recommended exercises gently as instructed.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised by your healthcare provider.
• Seek urgent care if you notice red flags like severe pain, swelling, or numbness.
• Maintain communication with your provider for ongoing support.

FAQs

What causes shin splints?

Shin splints usually result from repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles, often due to increased physical activity like running or jumping without adequate rest or proper footwear.

Can I exercise if I have shin splints?

It's important to rest and avoid activities that cause pain. Your provider may suggest low-impact exercises or gentle stretches to maintain fitness while allowing healing.

How long does it take for shin splints to heal?

Healing time varies but often takes a few weeks with proper rest and care. Continuing to stress the area too soon can delay recovery.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you experience severe pain, swelling, redness, numbness, or weakness, or if symptoms do not improve with rest, an in-person evaluation is recommended.

Are shin splints preventable?

Yes. Gradually increasing activity levels, wearing supportive footwear, and including proper warm-up and stretching can help prevent shin splints.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus: Shin Splints — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. MedlinePlus: Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: A Review — National Library of Medicine.
5. Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.