What can be mistaken for shin splints?

Conditions such as tendonitis, sprains, strains, or a stress fracture can often be mistaken for shin splints. A ruptured Achilles tendon can also cause pain similar to a shin splint.

Why do my shins hurt not shin splints?

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), shin splints are a common cause of shin pain. But there are many other causes of shin pain, such as an injury, bone bruise, or stress fracture.

How do you know if you have shin splints or something else?

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.

Why does my shin hurt for no reason?

You get shin splints from overloading your leg muscles, tendons or shin bone. Shin splints happen from overuse with too much activity or an increase in training. Most often, the activity is high impact and repetitive exercise of your lower legs. This is why runners, dancers, and gymnasts often get shin splints.

What is the difference between shin splints and compartment syndrome?

If you are dealing with shin splints, the pain will be on the inside front of the leg. Conversely, pain caused by compartment syndrome is experienced on the outside front of the leg. Timing is another telling difference. The pain from shin splints may arise from activities other than exercise.

What is compartment syndrome in the leg?

Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure rises in and around muscles. The pressure is painful and can be dangerous. Compartment syndrome can limit the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to muscles and nerves. It can cause serious damage and possible death. Compartment syndrome occurs most often in the lower leg.

What is the difference between stress fracture and shin splints?

A shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is an inflammation of the tissue running along the shin bone (tibia), whereas a stress fracture is a very small crack or group of cracks that form in the bone itself.