What is the term for pain in the front of the lower leg often associated with overuse?

Shin splints, known medically as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain experienced along the front of the lower leg, particularly in the area of the tibia. This condition is commonly seen in athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive activities such as running, jumping, or other high-impact sports. It is often attributed to overuse, especially when there has been a recent increase in physical activity intensity, frequency, or duration without proper conditioning or rest.

The pain associated with shin splints typically arises from inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. This makes it distinct from other conditions like stress fractures, which involve a tiny crack in the bone due to excessive force. Unlike bursitis, which involves inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints), or tendinitis, which is the inflammation of a tendon, shin splints specifically pertain to a broader area of stress and pain along the tibia from muscular and connective tissue strain. Thus, the term "shin splints" effectively encapsulates this specific overuse injury that affects the front of the lower leg.