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

Audience: pediatric

Shin splints, also called Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone in children and teens. This pain often happens after running or other sports and is usually due to overuse or stress on the lower leg muscles and bones. While shin splints often improve with rest and simple care, some signs mean your child should see a healthcare provider in person. These include severe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking. Telemedicine can help assess mild symptoms and guide initial care, but it cannot replace a physical exam or imaging if serious problems are suspected. This guide explains when to seek in-person care, what telemedicine can do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit about shin splints in children. Always watch for red flags to keep your child safe and healthy.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain that limits walking or daily activities — seek in-person care promptly
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the shin area — may indicate infection or fracture
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot — urgent evaluation needed

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking
• Providing advice on rest, ice, and pain relief
• Determining if symptoms may be mild and manageable at home
• Guidance on safe activity levels and prevention tips

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination of the leg and shin area
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs
• Diagnosing fractures, infections, or other serious conditions
• Performing treatments that require hands-on care

What Are Shin Splints in Children?

Shin splints, medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, cause pain along the inside edge of the shinbone. They often happen in active children and teens who run or jump a lot. The pain comes from irritation of muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin due to repeated stress. Shin splints are common in growing kids and usually improve with rest and proper care.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Children with shin splints often feel:

These symptoms usually develop gradually and are not severe at first.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

It is important to see a healthcare provider in person if your child has:

These signs may indicate a more serious injury such as a stress fracture or infection.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to:

However, telemedicine cannot perform a physical exam or order imaging tests, which may be needed to rule out serious conditions.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a virtual visit:

Aftercare and Follow-Up

After a telemedicine visit, follow these steps:

Preventing Shin Splints in Children

To help prevent shin splints:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear description of your child’s symptoms and when they started
• Be ready to show the affected shin area on camera if possible
• List any recent injuries, activities, or sports participation
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies
• Ensure a quiet space with good internet connection for the tele-visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care advice given during the visit, such as rest and pain management
• Monitor your child’s symptoms daily for improvement or worsening
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags or new symptoms appear
• Keep track of your child’s activity and pain to report at follow-up visits
• Encourage gradual return to activity once pain improves

FAQs

What causes shin splints in children?

Shin splints are usually caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles, often from running or jumping activities. Growing bones and changes in activity levels can make children more prone to this pain.

Can shin splints turn into something more serious?

Yes, if not managed properly, shin splints can sometimes lead to stress fractures or other injuries. That’s why it’s important to rest and watch for red flags like severe pain or swelling.

How long does it take for shin splints to heal?

Healing time varies but often takes a few weeks with proper rest and care. Returning to activity too soon can delay healing or worsen symptoms.

Is it safe to continue sports with shin splints?

It’s best to rest and avoid activities that cause pain until symptoms improve. Gradual return to sports with proper warm-up and footwear can help prevent recurrence.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has severe pain, swelling, redness, numbness, or difficulty walking, or if symptoms don’t improve with rest, see a healthcare provider in person promptly.

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 in Children and Adolescents — National Library of Medicine.
5. Shin Splints: Prevention and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has concerning symptoms or red flags, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.