Shin Pain After Running (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): What Causes It?

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Shin pain after running (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome), why does it occur?

“Doctor, I haven’t been running for long, but my shins hurt so much. At first, I thought it was just muscle soreness, but the pain hasn’t subsided even after a few days.” This is the story of a runner who recently visited our Korean medicine clinic. Haven’t there been a lot more people running these days?

There are many people for whom running has become a hobby and a lifestyle, from marathon competitions and running crew activities every weekend to tracking their own workout records. However, once they actually start running, they often experience unexpected pain. In particular, many people say things like, “The area around my shin bone aches and hurts,” or “It’s severe when I exercise and gets a bit better when I rest, but then it hurts again when I run.”

In fact, these symptoms are not just simple muscle pain but are highly likely to be Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome). Many people tend to dismiss this, thinking ‘it’ll be fine with a little rest,’ but if left untreated, it can progress to a stress fracture in severe cases, requiring caution.

Today, I will explain in detail why MTSS occurs, what symptoms appear, and what treatments we offer at Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to help.

What is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)?

MTSS is a condition that occurs when repetitive mechanical stress is applied to the medial aspect of the shin bone (tibia), causing micro-damage to the muscles, ligaments, and periosteum.

When muscles and tendons attached to the shin bone, such as the soleus and gastrocnemius, undergo repetitive contraction, relaxation, and impact, inflammatory reactions gradually occur, and the recovery rate of the tissues around the bone decreases.

It can start as periostitis and, if left untreated, can worsen into a cortical stress fracture, so accurate diagnosis and treatment are needed from the early stages.

When these causes accumulate, micro-damage and inflammation repeatedly occur in the tissues around the shin eventually leading to pain. At our Korean medicine clinic, we implement the following complex treatment methods for the rapid recovery and prevention of recurrence in MTSS patients: Acupotomy treatment. Acupotomy treatment is a therapeutic method that directly breaks down adhered tissues and aids in the recovery of damaged tissues.

Unlike regular acupuncture needles, acupotomy needles are designed with a flat, long tip, effectively releasing adhesions between muscles and tendons. As a treatment method combining acupuncture and surgery, it delicately dissects tangled soft tissues, thereby promoting blood circulation and activating regenerative responses in the tissues. After accurately identifying the damaged area with high-resolution ultrasound, acupotomy treatment is performed.

It is effective for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and functional recovery, and is particularly beneficial for chronic MTSS or cases with recurrent relapses. Ultrasound Diagnosis. MTSS is often difficult to accurately evaluate with simple X-rays alone. At Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, we utilize high-resolution ultrasound to accurately diagnose the lesion’s location, confirm the presence of stress fractures, and establish personalized treatment plans.

Pharmacopuncture Therapy. By directly injecting pharmacopuncture, extracted from pure herbal medicine, into the damaged area, it promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues, reduces local inflammation, and alleviates pain. Shin pain should never be dismissed as simple muscle soreness. MTSS is a condition that recovers quickly if diagnosed and treated early, but if neglected or improperly managed, it can progress to chronic pain or stress fractures.

Therefore, from the beginning, without overexertion, consistent management, rest, and a systematic treatment plan are necessary. The optimal treatment method is determined according to the patient’s condition. If needed, we recommend seeking expert consultation and an accurate diagnosis at any time. Suji-gu Korean Medicine Clinic Sunyujae pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.

This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.