Shin Splint Vs Stress Fracture

Shin splints and stress fractures are both overuse injuries affecting the lower leg, but they differ in severity and underlying causes. Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, result from inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue along the shin, often due to excessive running or impact activities on hard surfaces. The pain is typically diffuse along the inner shin and worsens with activity but improves with rest. In contrast, a stress fracture is a small crack in the tibia caused by repetitive stress and inadequate recovery. Stress fracture pain is more localized, persists even at rest, and may worsen over time. Unlike shin splints, which respond well to rest, stretching, and gradual activity modification, a stress fracture often requires a longer period of rest and sometimes immobilization to heal properly. X-ray needed to confirm