Shin Splints and Young Athletes
Sports Medicine Program
When your child has shin splints, they need prompt medical attention from experienced providers who know how to care for growing kids. Phoenix Children’s can get them back in action.
What are shin splints?
Shin splints are caused by inflammation in the muscles of the lower leg attached to the shinbone (tibia). This overuse injury commonly occurs in young athletes whose activities involve repetitive motions, such as running and jumping.
What are common signs of shin splints?
Pain in and around the shinbone is the most common symptom of a shin splint. The pain mostly occurs while an athlete is running or jumping. In severe cases, athletes may feel pain while walking or resting.
When should a child seek medical attention for a shin splint?
Please see a pediatric provider if your child is experiencing a lot of pain and/or has difficulty putting weight on the injured shin.
How are shin splints diagnosed?
Your pediatric provider will:
- Review health history
- Examine the shin
- Order X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for potential stress fractures, if needed
How should a shin splint be treated?
- Stop running or jumping to rest the injured shin.
- Apply ice or a cold pack on the shin for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to ease swelling and pain.
- Take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication – aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen – to reduce discomfort.
Your provider may recommend physical therapy to help improve flexibility and strength to promote healing and prevent future injuries. If an athlete has flat feet, orthotic inserts may help.
When can a child return to physical activities?
A shin splint may take several weeks to heal. A return to running and jumping too soon may result in reinjury. Your child can gradually return to play when he or she:
- Can walk, run and jump without pain
- Has been cleared by a provider (if one was seen)
How can a child prevent future injuries?
To prevent a new or recurring shin injury, athletes should gradually build up their physical activity over a few weeks. Slow and steady wins the race.
Runners, specifically, should replace running shoes every six months or every 300 to 500 miles. Also, engage in zero-impact activities, like swimming and biking, when not practicing or competing.
Where can I find medical care for my child’s shin splint?
Phoenix Children’s offers urgent and non-urgent options for treating shin splints.
- Urgent Care – for injuries after hours and on weekends (seven days a week, 5-11 p.m.)
- Sports Medicine – for pediatric-specific sports medicine and physical therapy (every weekday during normal business hours)