a painful swelling of the front lower leg, associated with muscle or bone inflammation, and common among athletes and other sportspeople
shin splints in American English
noun
(used with a pl. v.) Pathology
a painful condition of the front lower leg, associated with tendinitis, stress fractures, or muscle strain, often occurring as a result of running or other strenuous athletic activity, esp. on a nonresilient surface
Word origin
[1940–45]This word is first recorded in the period 1940–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: redline, sealant, set-aside, update, whiteout
Examples of 'shin splints' in a sentence
shin splints
No one is exactly sure what causes shin splints, though.
The Sun (2008)
We've both had fractured toes and shin splints.
The Sun (2014)
He had a stress fracture and shin splints.
Houston Chronicle (2000)
And this is another great tradition of an alpine summer holiday - cable car up, walk down, shin splints.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Inflammation and shin pain (shin splints).
The Sun (2009)
He was in severe pain at the end of the marathon effort and was diagnosed with shin splints.
The Sun (2012)
Somerset are determined that their 37-year-old spearhead, who had an operation to repair shin splints during the winter, will not be overbowled this year.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Shin splints, swollen knees and pulled tendons are the bane of pavement plodders and elite sprinters alike.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I have been back in training recently, doing a lot of running, and picked up some shin splints.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Injuries are more of a concern, particularly in long-distance runners, with overuse-related problems such as shin splints, achilles tendon issues and tight calves.