Shin-splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is defined by the American Medical Association as “pain and discomfort in the leg from repetitive activity on hard surfaces, or due to forceful, excessive use of foot flexures muscles. It’s a term for lower leg pain that occurs below the knee either on the front outside part of the leg (anterior shin splints) or the inside of the leg (medial shin splints), are the bane of many athletes, runners, soccer and rugby players. Shin splints often occur after sudden changes in physical activity. These can be changes in frequency, such as increasing the number of days you exercise each week. Changes in duration and intensity, such as running longer distances or on hills, can also cause shin splints.