shin splints

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a painful condition of the front lower leg, associated with tendinitis, stress fractures, or muscle strain, often occurring as a result of running or other strenuous athletic activity, especially on a nonresilient surface.

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shin splints British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) a painful swelling of the front lower leg, associated with muscle or bone inflammation, and common among athletes and other sportspeople

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Etymology

Origin of shin splints

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Kansas guard Johnny Furphy played with no limitations after dealing with shin splints during the preseason.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2023

Wasn’t great in college, Barely made the team, All I had was shin splints and a dream.

From Washington Post • Jan. 13, 2022

It can be so disappointing for someone when they get excited about running and then they get something like a bone stress injury, what’s colloquially referred to as shin splints.

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2022

But if this is built up too quickly over-use injuries, such as shin splints or stress fractures, can occur.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2018

It’s hard to stay grumpy around Teddy, and I don’t have time to wallow about shin splints for the time being because keeping up with him takes every bit of my energy.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison