11: Shin Splints or Bone Stress Injury in Teen Runners cover art

11: Shin Splints or Bone Stress Injury in Teen Runners

11: Shin Splints or Bone Stress Injury in Teen Runners

Listen for free

View show details
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 injuries
  • Why adolescents are at higher risk during growth spurts
  • The role of nutrition and energy availability in healing shin pain
  • Common fueling challenges for high school athletes
  • How training load, surfaces, shoes, and spikes affect shin stress
  • Why interdisciplinary care leads to better outcomes for young runners

As 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 health
Like, rate, and share this episode with parents, coaches, and runners
Have a case you’d like us to discuss? Email us at runcasemiles@gmail.com








Become 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 runcasemiles@gmail.com.
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet