45 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ 07110

Ouch! Why Are My Shins Hurting so Badly? Ask an Orthopedist

June 21, 2021

If you are a runner, a dancer, or an athlete who has suddenly ramped up their exercise routine, and you’re experiencing pain in the front of your lower leg, the problem might be shin splints. This injury affecting the area around the shinbone — called the tibia, the largest bone in the leg —  is quite common and awfully painful. And this injury can develop into something even more serious if not treated properly.

The orthopedists at the offices of Nutley Orthopaedic Group are trained to diagnose this troublesome injury and provide treatment to relieve your discomfort and provide a path for your return to the activities you love. We specialize in injuries of the musculoskeletal system — including tendons, nerves, bones, joints and ligaments — and treat patients of all ages and activity levels.

The injury known as shin splints occurs when the muscles, tendons and bone tissue around the tibia become inflamed, usually around the bone’s inner border. Often this happens because the muscles and bone tissue in the leg become overworked due to repetitive activity. Wearing improper footwear or having flat feet can also be contributing factors. Shin splints can happen during and after exercise, produce throbbing or sharp pain, and the spot may be sore to the touch.

Our orthopedists will conduct a thorough examination of your lower leg and may seek additional imaging tests to check for other factors that may be causing or contributing to your pain, such as tendinitis or potentially a stress fracture. Then a course of treatment will be recommended.

An injury like shin splints may be new to you, but it’s not new to us. At the offices of Nutley Orthopaedic Group, we have the experience and advanced technology to provide care that is second to none. Call our office today to arrange a consultation.