Shin splints are caused primarily by repetitive stress and overuse of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shinbone (tibia). This repetitive action leads to inflammation of these tissues, resulting in pain along the shin
. Key factors that contribute to shin splints include:
- Sudden increases in exercise intensity, duration, or frequency, especially in activities like running, dancing, or military training
- Running or exercising on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete) or uneven terrain such as hills
- Improper or worn-out footwear that fails to provide adequate support
- Biomechanical issues such as flat feet, high arches, excessive foot pronation, or differences in leg length
- Weak or tight muscles in the calves, hips, or core that affect leg stability and shock absorption
The repetitive pulling and tugging of muscles and connective tissues on the shinbone cause inflammation and microtrauma, which manifest as pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling along the inner or front part of the shin
. In summary, shin splints result from repetitive overload and stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues, often triggered by changes in physical activity, poor biomechanics, or unsuitable footwear
