Shin splints can be extremely painful and are often seen in runners.  Pain in usually on the inside of the shin.  The muscle that attaches to the inside of the bone in the shin called the tibia will create a lot of stress from overloading.  This is usually due to tightness in the calf muscles and poor mechanics in the foot and ankle.  It is important to address this condition because eventually there will be an increased risk of stress fracture.  

Treatment

It is important to decrease inflammation. Functional soft tissue therapy (A.R.T., Graston) is important to release tension and adhesions in the soft tissues of the shin and calf.   Functional rehabilitation will restore normal movement patterns in order to prevent future episodes.