11: Shin Splints or Bone Stress Injury in Teen Runners

Welcome to Interdisciplinary Case Miles, a podcast where real runner stories meet clinical expertise.In Episode 11, Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards (PT), Dr. Sara Raiser (MD), and sports dietitian Kelsey Pontius break down a common but often misunderstood injury: shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) in adolescent runners.Using the case of a 15-year-old male cross-country runner with bilateral shin pain, the team explores why shin splints are so prevalent in this age group and how rapid growth, training load changes, biomechanics, footwear, surfaces, and nutrition all intersect. The discussion highlights the critical role of energy availability, especially during periods of rapid growth, and why skipping meals, inadequate fueling, and school-related barriers to eating can contribute to ongoing symptoms.The hosts also discuss how shin splints can look very different depending on the athlete’s age and training history ranging from sudden spikes in mileage to more complex, layered cases involving chronic pain, stress, and low energy availability. From a physical therapy perspective, the episode covers gait patterns during growth spurts, strength and mobility needs, and the importance of collaborating with coaches and parents to support young athletes.In this episode you’ll learn:What shin splints are and how they differ from other bone stress injuriesWhy adolescents are at higher risk during growth spurtsThe role of nutrition and energy availability in healing shin painCommon fueling challenges for high school athletesHow training load, surfaces, shoes, and spikes affect shin stressWhy interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes for young runnersAs always, this episode reinforces a core message of Interdisciplinary Case Miles: shin splints aren’t just a “training issue” or a “nutrition issue” they’re often both. Supporting young runners requires understanding the whole picture and meeting athletes where they are.Subscribe for evidence-informed conversations on running healthLike, rate, and share this episode with parents, coaches, and runnersHave a case you’d like us to discuss? Email us at [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/interdisciplinary-case-miles--6623567/support.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss a case.Have a question or a case you'd like us to explore on the show? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at [email protected].