Will shin splints go away if I keep running?
Mia Smith
Updated on August 29, 2026
With rest and treatment, such as ice and stretching, shin splints may heal on their own. Continuing physical activity or ignoring symptoms of shin splints could lead to a more serious injury.
Will shin splints heal if I keep running?
Continuing to run with shin splints is not a good idea. Continuing the exercise that caused the painful shin splints will only result in further pain and damage that could lead to stress fractures. You should either eliminate running for a while or at least decrease the intensity with which you train.
How do you get rid of shin splints without stopping running?
How To Treat Shin Splints For Runners – Without Stopping Your Training
- Overuse is the number one cause. ...
- Cross Train – You can take a break from running so often by cross training more! ...
- Run on Different Surfaces – If you can, run on softer surfaces like grass or dirt.
How long should you take off running for shin splints?
Expect that you need at least 2 to 4 weeks of rest from your sport or exercise.
- Avoid repetitive exercise of your lower leg for 1 to 2 weeks. ...
- Try other low impact activities as long as you do not have pain, such as swimming, elliptical machine, or biking.
Can shin splints go away without rest?
Most shin splints will heal on their own. Rest for at least three days (no running), ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes four or five times a day until the pain subsides and wear compression stockings. After three days of rest, you can gradually get back to your training schedule.
15 related questions foundWhy do I get shin splints every time I run?
Shin splints develop from repeated stress to the shin bone by the pulling and tugging of the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg. Frequent, repetitive pressure from running and jumping can cause the shin bone to become inflamed (swollen or irritated) and weakened.
Are shin splints serious?
Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints can be painful and disrupt training regimes. However, they are not a serious condition and may be alleviated with some simple home remedies. Shin splints are characterized by pain in the lower leg, on the front, outside, or inside of the leg.
How do runners deal with shin splints?
Treatment of Shin Splints
- Rest your body. It needs time to heal.
- Ice your shin to ease pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone.
- Use insoles or orthotics for your shoes. ...
- Take anti-inflammatory painkillers, if you need them.
How do I know when my shin splints are healed?
You'll know they're fully healed when:
- Your injured leg is as flexible as your other leg.
- Your injured leg feels as strong as your other leg.
- You can push hard on spots that used to be painful.
- You can jog, sprint, and jump without pain.
How do shin splints feel?
If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. At first, the pain might stop when you stop exercising. Eventually, however, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture.
Do shin splints recur?
Recurring shin splints are common, and, without full treatment, there is a possibility for permanent injury. It's also important to not self-diagnose shin splints, as they can sometimes mask more severe injuries, like a stress fracture. Shin splints also take much longer to heal than you might think.
Can I run a marathon with shin splints?
Running with shin splints can derail your marathon or half marathon training goals. If your lower legs ache when running, you may be suffering from shin splints. Training for long distance races can be challenging in the midst of shin splints.
Do all runners get shin splints?
While runners of every level can get shin splints, it's more common among newer runners who may start out their training too quickly, making shin soreness an overuse injury. Women are also two to three times more likely to get shin splints.
What can shin splints lead to?
Shin splint pain develops due to the overexertion of pressure on muscles in the lower legs causing stress on the tissues in that region. If left untreated, shin splints can lead to lower leg compartment syndrome or even a stress fracture.
How do you do cardio with shin splints?
You don't need to stop running completely with shin splints, as long as you stop when the pain starts. Instead, just cut back on how much you run. Run about half as often as you did before, and walk more instead. Wear compression socks or compression wraps, or apply kinesiology tape to prevent pain while running.
Is shin pain normal after running?
Shin pain is a very common complaint. Running puts stress on the lower body and if training isn't managed correctly shin pain after running can result. Shin pain after running can occur if the training load is increased too quickly.
Can new trainers cause shin splints?
Shin splints are common when someone is starting a new sport or training regimen as tissues respond to increased use. Wearing unsupportive shoes. Shoes that don't offer good support and cushioning—even some running shoes—can be a trigger.
How do I loosen my shins?
For an easy shin stretch and quick exercise, walk on your heels for a few minutes before exercising. You can then switch it up by walking on your toes. After doing both of these stretches, your shins and calves should feel stretched, flexible, and ready to move.
Should I run everyday?
Running every day is bad for your health because it increases your risk of overuse injuries like stress fractures, shin splints, and muscle tears. You should run three to five days a week to make sure you're giving your body adequate time to rest and repair.
How do marathons prevent shin splints?
One method you can try to prevent shin splints is to change your foot strike. Try avoiding toe running and heel striking on your long runs. On your next run, try to land in the middle of your foot. When you land on your heel, it can stress your heels.
What are long term effects of shin splints?
Shin splints does not produce any long-term effects, if it is accurately diagnosed and treated appropriately. However, if the causes of the problem are not addressed it may reoccur. A chronic case of shin splints can lead to a compartment syndrome.
Do shin splints hurt when resting?
Symptoms of shin splints generally get worse with activity and ease with rest. Pain may be worse when you first get up after sleeping as the sore tibialis muscle shortens while you rest, and it stretches painfully when you put weight on your foot.
Is yoga good for shin splints?
Yoga poses that help with shin splints work to do the following: Strengthen Hip Abductor muscles – by making the muscles stronger there is more support for the legs and allows the impact to be through the centre of the leg. Strengthen Calf muscles – these muscles support the shins.
Is a hot bath good for shin splints?
An easier version of this would be to visit a hot tub (find one at your gym) and bring a big bag of ice with you. First, throw the ice bag on your shins for 7-8 min., then sit at the edge of the hot tub for 8-10 soaking your legs, and repeat.