Red flags & when to go in person for Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Audience: adult

Shin splints, medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. This pain often occurs after physical activity like running or jumping. Many people experience shin splints due to overuse or sudden increases in exercise. Rest, ice, and proper footwear usually help ease symptoms. However, some signs suggest a more serious problem needing in-person care. These include severe pain, swelling, numbness, or inability to walk. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, offer advice on managing pain, and suggest exercises to prevent shin splints. But if symptoms worsen or do not improve with home care, seeing a healthcare provider in person is important. This guide helps you recognize when to seek urgent care and how telemedicine fits into managing shin splints safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain preventing walking or standing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth along the shin — possible infection or fracture needing urgent evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot — could indicate nerve or circulation problems requiring prompt assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate shin pain and symptoms.
• Providing advice on rest, ice, and pain management.
• Guidance on exercises to prevent shin splints.
• Monitoring symptom progress and deciding if in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain that limits walking or standing.
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or warmth.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
• Suspected fractures or other serious injuries requiring imaging or surgery.

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints cause pain along the inner part of your lower leg. They happen when muscles and tendons around the shinbone get irritated, often from exercise like running or jumping. The pain usually starts as a dull ache and may get worse with activity.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Shin splints often come from overusing your legs, especially if you increase your activity too quickly. Other factors include flat feet, improper shoes, running on hard surfaces, or weak leg muscles.

When to Use Telemedicine for Shin Splints

You can use telemedicine to talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms, get advice on rest and pain relief, and learn exercises to help. Telemedicine is useful if your pain is mild to moderate and you have no serious symptoms.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you have:

These signs may mean a fracture, infection, or nerve problem.

Preventing Shin Splints

To help prevent shin splints:

Managing Shin Splints at Home

Home care often includes:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when your shin pain started and what activities make it worse.
• Prepare to describe the type and location of your pain.
• List any treatments or medications you have tried.
• Be ready to show the affected area on camera if possible.
• Have a list of any other symptoms like swelling, numbness, or weakness.
• Prepare questions about managing your symptoms and preventing shin splints.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the recommended rest and ice routine.
• Use pain relief methods as advised by your provider.
• Perform any prescribed exercises to strengthen and stretch your legs.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or red flags appear.
• Maintain communication with your healthcare provider for follow-up.

FAQs

What causes shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by repeated stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles, often from overuse during activities like running or jumping. Sudden increases in exercise intensity or poor footwear can also contribute.

Can shin splints heal on their own?

Yes, mild shin splints often improve with rest, ice, and proper care. However, if pain persists or worsens, it is important to see a healthcare provider.

How can I prevent shin splints?

Prevent shin splints by gradually increasing exercise intensity, wearing supportive shoes, stretching and strengthening leg muscles, and avoiding hard or uneven running surfaces.

When should I see a doctor in person?

See a doctor in person if you have severe pain that stops you from walking, swelling or redness on your shin, numbness or weakness in your leg, or if your symptoms do not improve with home care.

Can telemedicine help with shin splints?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, provide advice on managing pain, and guide you on exercises to prevent shin splints. However, it cannot replace in-person care if serious symptoms are present.

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: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.

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