Muscle · Calf & foot · Shin (tibialis anterior)
Shin pain
Common at this spot
Ordered by how common, not by search volume.
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Shin splints
A throb along the shin bone after walking or running
Why it happens
Shin pain caused by exercise. It happens most when you have just started exercising again, run on hard surfaces, or run with poor form.
How it feels
- Pain and tenderness along the front of the lower leg
- It usually comes on after exercise such as running
How long it usually lasts
It usually gets better within a few weeks.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the pain gets worse or does not improve with self-care. Get urgent advice if the pain is severe or you have injured it.
Source: NHS (UK)
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Tibial stress fracture
One spot hurts sharply when pressed and worsens when running
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Anterior compartment syndrome
The shin feels ready to burst during exercise and the foot tingles
Get help right away ifIf any part of the body suddenly hurts badly, call emergency services or go to A&E. If it is compartment syndrome, surgery is needed as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself — ask someone else to drive, or call an ambulance.
Why it happens
Pressure builds inside a muscle and blood can no longer flow through it properly. It affects mostly the legs and forearms, and can follow an injury or a bandage or cast that is too tight.
How it feels
- A burning or deep pain in the muscle, worse when you move that part
- Swelling or bulging of the muscle
- Numbness, weakness, or tingling
- Tightness that makes it hard to move
Source: NHS (UK)
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Tibialis anterior tendinitis
The front of the shin hurts when lifting the foot
Why it happens
A tendon swells after an injury — here, the tibialis anterior tendon at the front of the shin. It comes from sudden movements or repeated exercise such as running, jumping, or throwing, and from repeating the same motion with poor form or technique.
How it feels
- Pain in the tendon that gets worse when you move
- Trouble moving that joint
- A grating or crackling feeling when the tendon moves
- Swelling, sometimes with heat or redness
How long it usually lasts
Mild tendonitis should feel better within 2 to 3 weeks.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if it has not improved after a few weeks. Get urgent advice if the pain is severe or you think the tendon has ruptured.
Source: NHS (UK)
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Shin contusion
The struck shin swells, bruises, and hurts when pressed