🧠 Shin Splints in Youth Soccer: Why They Happen, How to Recover, & What Parents Need to Know

If your athlete has ever come off the field saying:"My shin is killing me" or "It hurts when I run"—this post is for you.

⚠️ What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints are one of the most common overuse injuries in youth soccer.They usually show up as sharp or aching pain along the inside of the shinbone after running, sprinting, or playing on turf.

If left untreated, they can linger for weeks… or turn into something worse like a stress fracture.

🔍 Signs to Look For

Pain on the inside of the shin
Soreness after games or training
Pain gets worse when running
Improves with rest, but returns easily
Tight calves, stiff ankles, or flat feet

🧊 How to Help Your Athlete Recover

Rest from intense running & cutting
Ice 2–3x per day for 15–20 minutes
Stretch & foam roll the calves and lower leg
Strengthen the ankles and feet
Swap soccer for biking/swimming temporarily
Slowly ease back into training

✅ How to Prevent Shin Splints

Wear proper cleats or turf shoes
Avoid training spikes—gradually increase workload
Focus on warm-ups: dynamic, not static
Strengthen the tibialis, calves, and core
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and recovery routines

📥 Download the Full PDF

We’ve uploaded a complete Shin Splints Recovery + Prevention Guide in the Classroom tab with:

✅ Exercises

✅ Recovery steps

✅ Return-to-play tips

✅ Parent action checklist

📩 Click over to the Classroom and grab it today.

Let’s protect our players from overuse injuries before they get worse. Drop any questions or shin pain experiences below 👇We’re here to help every step of the way.

#InjuryPrevention #YouthSoccer #ParentEducation #ShinSplints #EliteSoccerAcademy24

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