What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, you will usually receive advice on managing pain and preventing further injury. The healthcare provider may suggest rest, ice application, and avoiding activities that cause pain. They may also recommend exercises to stretch and strengthen your lower leg muscles. Follow-up appointments might be scheduled to monitor your progress. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, you may be advised to seek in-person care for further evaluation. Telemedicine can help guide you through early treatment steps and answer your questions, but it cannot replace physical exams or imaging tests sometimes needed to rule out other conditions. Taking care of your legs after the visit includes following the treatment plan, gradually returning to activity, and watching for warning signs that need urgent attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pain that limits walking or standing — seek immediate in-person care.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot or lower leg — contact a healthcare provider promptly.
• Visible swelling, redness, or warmth along the shin or calf — may indicate infection or blood clot; get urgent evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history.
• Providing education on shin splints and self-care advice.
• Guiding exercise and activity modifications.
• Determining if in-person care or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination and palpation.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Diagnosing fractures, compartment syndrome, or other serious conditions.
• Providing hands-on treatments such as physical therapy or injections.

Understanding Shin Splints

Shin splints cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). They often develop from overuse or repetitive stress on the lower leg muscles and bones. Common in runners and active people, shin splints usually improve with rest and proper care. Your telemedicine provider will explain this condition and how lifestyle changes can help.

Typical Advice After Your Telemedicine Visit

You may be advised to:

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your pain increases, swelling worsens, or you experience numbness, weakness, or inability to walk, you should seek in-person medical evaluation. Physical exams and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be needed to rule out fractures or other problems. Telemedicine cannot perform these tests but can help decide if they are necessary.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, prepare by:

Aftercare and Monitoring Progress

After your visit, follow the care plan carefully. Keep track of your pain levels and any new symptoms. Gradually increase activity as advised, but stop if pain returns. Schedule follow-up visits if recommended. If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or worsen, seek further evaluation.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when and where your shin pain occurs.
• List recent physical activities or changes in exercise routine.
• Prepare a list of current medications and health conditions.
• Ensure you have a device with a camera to show your lower leg if needed.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the recommended rest and ice application schedule.
• Take pain relievers as advised, if appropriate.
• Perform stretching and strengthening exercises as instructed.
• Wear supportive footwear and consider orthotics if recommended.
• Monitor symptoms and avoid activities that increase pain.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the muscles around it. This often happens from running, jumping, or sudden increases in physical activity without proper conditioning.

How long does it take to recover from shin splints?

Recovery time varies but typically takes a few weeks with proper rest and treatment. Gradual return to activity helps prevent re-injury.

Can I still exercise with shin splints?

It's important to avoid activities that cause pain. Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling may be safer options during recovery, but always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If pain worsens, you experience numbness or weakness, or if there is significant swelling or redness, you should seek in-person medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.

Are special shoes or inserts helpful?

Supportive shoes and orthotic inserts can help reduce stress on your shins and improve foot alignment, which may aid recovery and 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. MedlinePlus: Overuse Injuries — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerning symptoms or your condition worsens, please seek evaluation from a healthcare professional in person.