My Shins Hurt When I Run
Inner shin pain with running is most commonly medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), often called “shin splints”—an overuse injury from repeated loading.
What is MTSS (shin splints)?
Muscles and periosteum (bone covering) attached to the inner shin bone get repeatedly pulled, building up stress and inflammation along the medial tibia.
Where it occurs
Usually along the lower two-thirds of the inner shin bone. Pain often covers a band more than 5 cm long rather than a single point.
Related muscles
Muscles like posterior tibialis and calf muscles attach along the tibia; repeated pull from these can irritate the bone and periosteum.
Typical symptoms
Inner shin pain
Dull, aching pain along the inner border of the shin—more of a broad area than a pinpoint spot.
Pain at the start of exercise
Shins hurt when you start running, may ease as you warm up, then ache again after the workout.
Tender to pressure
Pressing along the inner shin is sore in several spots along the bone.
Morning stiffness
First steps in the morning can feel stiff or uncomfortable along the shins.
MTSS vs. stress fracture
MTSS usually hurts over a broader area, while a stress fracture tends to be very painful at one specific point. If pain is focal, severe, or persists even with rest, a stress fracture needs to be ruled out.
Why does it happen?
Training spike
Rapid increase in distance, frequency, or intensity—especially in newer runners.
Excess pronation
Feet rolling in too much (over-pronation) places extra pull on the muscles attached to the inner shin.
Calf tightness and weakness
Tight or weak calf muscles force the shin and surrounding tissues to absorb more load with each step.
Surface and shoes
Hard or sloped surfaces and worn-out shoes increase repetitive stress on the shins.
How we treat it
Ignoring MTSS and continuing to run can let it progress toward a stress fracture, so early, active treatment is important—not just rest, but also working on calf strength, hip control, and running mechanics.
Key point: treat shins and pelvis together
If we only treat the shin, it tends to come back. Weak glutes let the pelvis wobble, and that shock travels down to the shins. We work on both the shin and hip/pelvis to make results more durable.
Treatment goals
1. Calm inflammation and tension around the shins
2. Restore calf flexibility and strength
3. Strengthen glutes and improve pelvic stability ← key
4. Correct foot and leg mechanics during running
Circulation Therapy for MTSS
We treat the shins together with the hip and calf so you can return to running safely.
- Circulation HD: calms inflammation and releases tight fascia around the shins, calves, and glutes.
- Circulation PT: focuses on calf stretching, glute strengthening, pelvic stability, and running form correction.
Self-care tips
Enough rest
If shins hurt, stop running temporarily. Try lower-impact options like swimming or cycling.
Calf stretching
Gently stretch the calf muscles a few times a day, staying within comfortable range.
Warm pack after running
Apply a warm pack to the shins for 15–20 minutes after activity to boost blood flow and ease muscle tension.
Check your shoes
Make sure cushioning is adequate and shoes match your foot type. Replace them regularly based on mileage and wear.
When to see a doctor
• Pain persists despite 2 weeks of rest
• One spot is very painful or visibly swollen (possible stress fracture)
• It hurts even when walking
• Pain is gradually getting worse
Related questions
Shin pain when you run?
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