shin splints

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: injury to and inflammation of the tibial and toe extensor muscles or their fasciae caused by repeated minimal traumas (as by running)

Examples of shin splints in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This lower impact force decreases the risk of common injuries such as shin splints, runner’s knee and stress fractures. —Joseph M. Mahoney, The Conversation, 6 May 2025

That’s one reason injuries like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are so common among runners. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

The idea is to visualize an attainable goal (such as getting involved in local politics or running a mile), then think about all the obstacles that might get in your way (such as failing to find people who share your political vision, or shin splints). —Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025

After all, shin splints, sore feet, and blisters can ruin any activity. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shin splints

• blueprints
• footprints
• imprints
• misprints
• offprints
• preprints
• reprints
• chintz
• flints
• glints
• hints
• mints

Medical Definition

shin splints

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: painful injury to and inflammation of the tibial and toe extensor muscles or their fasciae that is caused by repeated minimal traumas (as by running on a hard surface)