Shin Splints or Something More? Understanding Lower Leg Pain

When Your Shin Ache Doesn’t Go Away

You lace up your sneakers for a morning walk around Lake Minneola, and by the end of mile one—ouch. That dull ache along the front of your lower leg is back. You tell yourself it’s probably shin splints. But what if it’s not?

At the Center for Ankle and Foot Care in Clermont and Leesburg, we see lower leg pain all the time—and we know that not all shin pain is created equal. Sometimes it’s just an overuse injury. Other times, it's a red flag for something more serious.

Let’s unpack the possibilities—and more importantly, what you can do about it.

What Are Shin Splints, Really?

Shin splints (aka medial tibial stress syndrome) happen when the muscles and tendons around your shinbone get irritated from overuse. Think:

• Suddenly ramping up your workouts

• Running on hard surfaces

• Wearing worn-out shoes

It’s especially common for new runners or folks getting back into fitness after a break (hello, New Year’s resolutions!).

What it feels like:

• A dull, aching pain along the inner edge of your shin

• Pain that flares up during or after activity

• Tenderness to touch

With rest, ice, and proper footwear, shin splints usually improve in a few weeks.

When It’s Not Just Shin Splints

Here’s where things get tricky. Not all lower leg pain is from shin splints. If your discomfort sticks around despite rest—or keeps getting worse—it could be something more serious, like:

Stress Fracture

A small crack in the bone, often from repetitive impact. Pain tends to be sharp and focused, and it worsens with activity.

Compartment Syndrome

This occurs when pressure builds up in the muscles, cutting off blood flow. It’s rare but serious and may need surgical treatment.

Tendonitis

Tight calves and overuse can inflame the tendons around the ankle and lower leg, leading to burning pain with movement.

Nerve Entrapment

If you feel tingling, numbness, or radiating pain, a pinched nerve could be to blame—not your muscles or bones.

How We Diagnose and Treat Lower Leg Pain

At Center for Ankle and Foot Care, we don’t just guess—we get to the root of the issue using:

• In-office imaging and physical exams to identify stress injuries or inflammation

• Gait analysis and 3D scanning to see how your feet and legs move during activity

Depending on what’s causing your pain, treatment options may include:

Custom Foot Orthotics

Designed and 3D-printed in-house by Dr. Michele McGowan, these orthotics support your arches and reduce impact on your lower legs.

Class IV Laser Therapy

This advanced laser treatment helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing—especially effective for tendonitis and shin splints.

SoftWave Therapy

For chronic or stubborn pain, this non-invasive regenerative treatment stimulates blood flow and tissue repair without downtime.

DMPx Regenerative Injections

Think of these as your body’s personal repair crew. Ideal for athletes or active adults who want to avoid surgery.

So, Should You Just Wait It Out?

If your shin pain gets better with rest, you’re probably fine to ice, stretch, and ease back into activity. But if it sticks around—or worsens—it’s time to come in.

Because here’s the truth: the longer you push through the pain, the longer it can take to heal.

Let’s Get You Back on Track

Whether it’s shin splints, a stress fracture, or something else entirely, we’ll help you figure it out—and fix it. At our Clermont and Leesburg clinics, you’ll get more than just a treatment plan. You’ll get a team that listens, educates, and gets you moving again.

📍 Ready to feel better? Call us or book your visit today.