Types of Shin Splints

Symptoms are generally localized in two main areas of the lower half of the leg-either along the front (anterior) or back (posterior). Although both anterior and posterior shin splints present differently, the treatment and causative factors are relatively the same.

Anterior shin splint syndrome, when the pain is felt along the front aspect of the lower leg, is most commonly seen in those who have just started a running program. Posterior shin splint syndrome, when the pain is found on the inside back part of the lower leg, is usually seen in runners who are over-training or in those with biomechanical imbalances (e.g., excessive collapse of the foot arch known as over-pronation).