When the tendons of the muscles near the shinbone (tibia) become inflamed, the pain is felt along the shin. Shin splints often affect athletes and runners, and are commonly due to overuse. A less common cause is flat feet with low arches.

Symptoms of shin splints often start as a dull ache that gets worse over time. Pain may also be sharp or stabbing. Resting your legs often relieves the symptoms. Pain may occur either during or after activity. Later, the pain may become continuous with almost any activity.