Shin Splints
Shin Splints Support in Waterford
Lower Leg Pain When Walking or Running? Step Right Can Help
Shin splints are a common cause of pain along the front or inner part of the lower leg. They often show up when someone increases walking, running, or training — or when the feet and lower limbs are taking more strain than they can handle.
If you’re getting shin pain during exercise, after a long day on your feet, or when returning to fitness, it’s worth getting it checked early.
At Step Right Waterford, we help people reduce shin splints by assessing foot function and gait, improving support, and reducing overload through the lower limb.
👉 Book an appointment today at Step Right Waterford.
What Are Shin Splints?
“Shin splints” is a general term used for pain along the shin bone (tibia). It’s often linked to repetitive stress through the lower leg, especially with running, walking, or impact-based activity.
It’s commonly associated with:
- Overuse and overload
- Poor shock absorption
- Foot posture and gait issues
- Unsupportive or worn footwear
Common Symptoms of Shin Splints
You may notice:
- Pain along the front or inner shin
- Aching during or after running/walking
- Tenderness when pressing the shin area
- Pain that builds over time
- Discomfort that improves with rest but returns quickly
If pain becomes sharp, severe, or localised to one spot, it’s best to get medical advice to rule out other injuries.
What Causes Shin Splints?
Shin splints are usually caused by repeated overload.
Common causes include:
- Sudden increase in walking, running, or training
- Running on hard surfaces
- Worn-out runners or poor cushioning
- Tight calves and limited ankle flexibility
- Flat feet / overpronation (foot rolling inward)
- High arches (reduced shock absorption)
- Poor movement patterns or gait issues
In many cases, shin splints are a sign that the lower leg is working too hard to absorb shock.
How Step Right Waterford Helps Shin Splints
Foot & Gait Assessment (Find the Cause)
At Step Right Waterford, we assess how your feet are functioning and how you move when walking. This helps identify contributors such as:
- Pressure points and loading patterns
- Arch support needs
- Footwear stability and cushioning
- Gait patterns increasing lower leg strain
This allows us to recommend a plan that supports recovery and helps prevent the issue returning.
Support Options to Reduce Lower Leg Strain
Depending on your foot type and activity level, we may recommend:
- Supportive footwear advice
- Improved cushioning and stability
- Arch support recommendations
- Custom orthotics where appropriate
The goal is to reduce overload through the lower leg and improve comfort during movement.
When Should You Get Shin Splints Checked?
Book an appointment if:
- Shin pain keeps returning
- Pain is affecting your walking or training
- You’ve changed shoes or increased activity recently
- Pain worsens on hard surfaces
- You want to prevent it becoming a long-term issue
Early support usually means quicker recovery.
Shin Splints Support in Waterford
Step Right Waterford helps people reduce shin pain and improve comfort by addressing the feet, gait, and support that often contribute to shin splints.
👉 Book an appointment today at Step Right Waterford.
FAQ: Shin Splints
Are shin splints caused by flat feet?
They can be. Flat feet can increase inward rolling and stress through the lower leg.
Do shin splints mean I should stop running?
Often reducing impact temporarily helps, but the key is addressing the cause so it doesn’t keep returning.
Can orthotics help shin splints?
In some cases, yes — especially when shin pain is linked to foot posture and gait mechanics.
