If you’ve ever experienced pain along the front or inside of your shin during or after walking, running, or playing sport, you’re not alone. Shin pain is one of the most common complaints we see at Frenchs Forest Foot Clinic, particularly in runners, footballers, soccer players, and people who have recently increased their activity levels.
The good news? In many cases, custom orthotics can play an important role in reducing shin pain—but only when they’re prescribed after identifying the true cause of the problem.
What Causes Shin Pain?
The term “shin pain” often refers to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as shin splints. It occurs when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin become overloaded.
Common causes include:
- Increasing running or training too quickly
- Flat feet or overpronation
- Poor foot biomechanics
- Inappropriate footwear
- Tight calf muscles
- Weakness in the foot, ankle, hips, or core
- Running on hard surfaces
If left untreated, persistent shin pain can sometimes progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture, making early assessment important.
How Can Orthotics Help?
Orthotics are designed to improve the way your feet function during walking and running. By supporting your feet and correcting abnormal movement patterns, orthotics can reduce the stress placed on the muscles and tissues attached to the shin.
Orthotics may help by:
- Reducing excessive foot rolling (overpronation)
- Improving foot and lower limb alignment
- Decreasing strain on the shin muscles
- Improving shock absorption
- Helping distribute pressure more evenly across the foot
- Making walking and running more efficient
For many patients, this leads to less pain and allows them to return to sport sooner.
Are Orthotics Right for Everyone?
Not necessarily.
Shin pain has many potential causes, and orthotics are only one part of successful treatment. Before recommending orthotics, your podiatrist should perform a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Foot posture and biomechanics
- Walking and running gait analysis
- Footwear assessment
- Joint mobility
- Muscle strength and flexibility
- Training history
If your shin pain is due to a stress fracture or another medical condition, different treatment may be required.
What Else Helps Shin Pain?
The best results usually come from combining orthotics with other treatments, including:
- Activity modification
- Stretching tight calf muscles
- Strengthening foot, ankle and hip muscles
- Shockwave therapy (where appropriate)
- Footwear advice
- Gradual return-to-running programs
Treating the underlying cause rather than simply masking symptoms gives the best long-term outcome.
Why Choose Custom Orthotics?
While over-the-counter insoles may provide temporary comfort, custom orthotics are individually designed to match your foot shape, walking pattern, and activity level.
Whether you’re a runner, weekend athlete, or someone who spends long hours on your feet at work, custom orthotics can provide the support needed to reduce excessive loading and improve comfort.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
If your shin pain:
- Lasts more than a week or two
- Keeps returning
- Stops you exercising
- Is painful when walking
- Is becoming more severe
it’s worth having it assessed before it develops into a more serious injury.
We Can Help
At Frenchs Forest Foot Clinic, we perform detailed biomechanical assessments to identify the cause of your shin pain. If orthotics are appropriate, we design custom devices specifically for your feet and lifestyle. We also provide exercise programs, footwear advice, and rehabilitation plans to help you recover safely and prevent the pain from returning.
Whether you’re training for your next event or simply want to walk comfortably again, we’re here to help.
Book an appointment with Frenchs Forest Foot Clinic today and take the first step towards pain-free movement.
Frenchs Forest Foot Clinic
Building 7, Suite 1, 49 Frenchs Forest Road East, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
(02) 9453 4400
www.fffc.com.au