Effective Treatment For Shin Splints (Periostitis) in Birmingham & Warwickshire

Shin Splints (Periostitis): Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment Options in Birmingham & Warwickshire

Shin splints, medically known as periostitis or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are a common cause of lower leg pain affecting runners, athletes, military personnel, and individuals who suddenly increase their activity levels. At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, our specialist pain and injury clinic in Birmingham and Warwickshire, we regularly help patients overcome persistent shin pain and return safely to sport and daily activity.

This article explains:

• What shin splints are

• The most common causes and contributing factors

• Evidence-based treatment options, including injection therapy

• How our clinic can help, including offering free consultations

What Are Shin Splints (Periostitis)?

Shin splints refer to pain and inflammation along the inner border of the tibia (shin bone). The condition occurs when repetitive stress causes irritation of the periosteum the connective tissue surrounding the bone.

Pain typically:

• Develops gradually

• Is worse during or after exercise

• Improves with rest initially

• Can become persistent if left untreated

If ignored, shin splints can progress to tibial stress reactions or stress fractures, making early assessment essential.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors of Shin Splints

Shin splints are rarely caused by a single issue. Instead, they usually develop due to a combination of biomechanical, training, and surface-related factors.

1. Repetitive Impact & Overloading

Activities involving repetitive loading of the lower limb place excessive strain on the tibia, including:

• Running (especially long-distance or hill running)

• Jumping sports

• Military training

• High-impact gym classes

Sudden increases in training volume, intensity, or frequency are a major trigger.

2. Hard or Uneven Surfaces

Running or training on:

• Concrete or tarmac

• Cambered roads

• Uneven trails

These surfaces increase ground reaction forces and uneven loading through the shin, accelerating tissue irritation.

3. Poor Foot Mechanics

Foot biomechanics play a crucial role in shin splints development.

Common issues include:

• Overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot)

• Flat feet (pes planus)

• Reduced shock absorption through the foot and ankle

These mechanics increase traction forces on the tibial periosteum during movement.

4. Muscle Imbalances & Reduced Load Tolerance

Weakness or tightness in key muscles can overload the shin bone, including:

• Calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus)

• Tibialis posterior

• Anterior compartment muscles

Reduced ankle mobility or poor hip control may also contribute.

5. Inappropriate Footwear

Shoes that are:

• Worn out

• Lack shock absorption

• Unsuitable for your foot type or sport

These can significantly increase the risk of shin splints.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Seek assessment if you experience:

• Localised tenderness along the shin

• Pain worsening with continued exercise

• Pain present at rest or during walking

• Swelling or a “burning” sensation in the lower leg

Early diagnosis helps prevent progression to more serious bone stress injuries.

Shin Splints Treatment Options

At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach tailored to each individual.

Conservative Management (First-Line Treatment)

Most cases respond well to structured conservative care, including:

✅ Load Modification

• Temporary reduction in impact activities

• Cross-training to maintain fitness

✅ Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

• Progressive strengthening programs

• Calf and lower limb loading strategies

• Gait retraining where appropriate

✅ Manual Therapy (osteopathy)

• Soft tissue techniques

• Joint mobilisation to improve biomechanics

✅ Footwear Advice & Orthotics

• Running shoe assessment

• Custom or off-the-shelf orthoses when required

Advanced Pain & Injection Therapies

For persistent or recurrent shin splints, injection therapy may be appropriate. Depending on assessment findings, options may include:

• Ultrasound-guided injections for periosteal inflammation

• Regenerative or anti-inflammatory injection approaches

• Targeted treatment to reduce pain and restore tissue health

All injections at our clinic are:

• Evidence-informed

• Performed under ultrasound guidance

• Delivered by clinicians with extensive musculoskeletal experience

Injection therapy is never used in isolation, it is combined with rehabilitation to ensure long-term success.

Why Choose Dynamic Regenerative Medicine?

At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we specialise in pain, injury, and sports-related conditions using a multidisciplinary approach.

What Sets Us Apart:

✔ Expert musculoskeletal assessment

✔ Advanced diagnostic ultrasound

✔ Physiotherapy, rehabilitation & injection therapy under one roof

✔ Individualised treatment plans

✔ Clinics in Birmingham and Warwickshire

✔ Free initial consultations

We don’t just treat pain, we address the root cause of your shin splints.

Further information including exercise exercises can be found here: https://www.grenade.com/blogs/all/preventing-shin-splints

Free Shin Splints Consultation in Birmingham & Warwickshire

If you’re struggling with shin pain, early expert advice can prevent months of frustration and downtime.

📍 Clinics serving Birmingham, Edgbaston, Solihull, and Warwickshire

📞 Free consultation available 01564 330773

🏃‍♂️ Suitable for runners, athletes, gym-goers, and active individuals

👉 Book your free shin splints assessment today and take the first step back to pain-free movement.

Clinic@dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk

www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk

Final Thoughts

Shin splints are common — but they are not something you should push through. With the right diagnosis, load management, and targeted treatment, most patients make a full recovery.

At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we combine clinical expertise, advanced therapies, and rehabilitation to help you return stronger than before.