With the warmer weather rolling in and the days getting longer, spring officially kicks off race season in Georgia. Whether you’re preparing for your first 5K or training for your next marathon, now’s the time when runners hit the pavement with renewed energy and ambitious goals. But while the excitement builds, so does the risk of injury—especially if your training plan ramps up faster than your body can handle.
Among the most common issues we see this time of year? Shin splints and runner’s knee.
These two conditions are the leading reasons Georgia runners experience setbacks during the spring. Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, often present as a sharp or throbbing pain along the front or inner part of the shin, especially during or after running. Meanwhile, runner’s knee—also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome—shows up as discomfort around or behind the kneecap, often aggravated by hills, stairs, or long runs.
The good news? Most of these injuries are preventable.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we work with runners of all levels—from casual joggers to seasoned competitors—to provide proactive strategies, injury prevention plans, and effective running pain relief solutions that keep them on track without losing momentum. Our clinics across Georgia specialize in non-surgical, sports-focused care to help runners maintain performance while avoiding long-term damage.
Whether you're lacing up for your first 5K or trying to shave minutes off your half marathon, the key to a strong race season is starting with smart training, early prevention, and professional support when needed.
When training picks up and mileage increases, the body feels the pressure—especially in the lower legs and knees. Two of the most frequent injuries we see in spring runners are shin splints and runner’s knee. While they’re common, they’re also often misunderstood, which can lead to mismanagement or delayed healing.
Shin splints, clinically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to inflammation and microtears in the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue along the shinbone (tibia). The result is a dull, throbbing, or sharp pain that can occur during or after running—usually along the inner or front part of the lower leg. Left untreated, shin splints can worsen and even progress into stress fractures.
Runner’s knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition where the cartilage underneath the kneecap becomes irritated from repetitive movement. Runners often feel a dull ache around or behind the kneecap, especially when running downhill, climbing stairs, or sitting with bent knees for long periods. It’s typically caused by poor tracking of the kneecap due to muscle imbalances, overuse, or biomechanical issues.
Injuries like shin splints and runner’s knee may be common, but they’re far from inevitable. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we believe the best way to treat pain is to prevent it in the first place. With a few smart adjustments, you can significantly lower your risk of overuse injuries and keep your running season on track.
Never skip your warm-up. Light jogging, leg swings, high knees, and dynamic stretches prime your muscles and joints for the impact ahead. Pay extra attention to your calves, hamstrings, and hip flexors to enhance mobility and reduce tension on your shins and knees.
Follow the 10% rule: Don’t increase your weekly mileage by more than 10%. Your muscles, joints, and bones need time to adapt to added stress. A sudden spike in training volume is one of the biggest contributors to shin and knee injuries.
Strengthen the calves, quads, glutes, and core to improve shock absorption, joint alignment, and running efficiency. Weak hips and core muscles often lead to poor mechanics that overload the shins and knees.
Incorporate low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or rowing into your weekly routine. These activities build endurance without the repetitive pounding of running, helping your body recover while staying fit.
Worn-out or poorly fitted shoes can quickly derail your running progress. Get professionally fitted running shoes based on your foot type and gait. For persistent pain, custom orthotics can help correct biomechanical issues and distribute pressure more evenly.
Subtle issues in your running gait—like overstriding or poor hip control—can put extra strain on your lower limbs. A running form assessment can identify and correct these problems before they lead to injury. We offer gait analysis and posture correction guidance right here at Medici.
Rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the plan. Include at least 1–2 rest days per week to give your tissues time to heal and rebuild. Overtraining is one of the biggest culprits behind shin splints and knee pain.
After long or intense runs, use ice packs or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and compression sleeves to support circulation. These small steps can make a big difference in how you feel during your next workout.
When rest, stretching, and ice aren't enough to ease the pain, it’s time to look at more targeted, professional solutions. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we offer a comprehensive, sports-focused approach that addresses both symptom relief and the underlying cause—making us a trusted source for the best pain relief for shin splints in athletes across Georgia.
Our multidisciplinary team specializes in treating active individuals, from marathoners to weekend joggers, with a focus on non-surgical, drug-conscious care tailored to each athlete's unique needs.
Every runner is different, which is why we create custom recovery programs that focus on:
Our therapists work closely with you to restore pain-free motion while building resilience against future injury.
Tight muscles, scar tissue, and poor mobility can worsen shin splints. Hands-on techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release improve circulation, reduce tension, and help muscles function more efficiently.
For more persistent or severe inflammation, we offer ultrasound-guided injections that deliver precision pain relief right where it’s needed—without relying on long-term steroid use. This option is ideal for runners needing fast recovery without downtime.
Medici is proud to offer cutting-edge, non-surgical treatments that harness your body’s natural healing ability:
These techniques are especially effective for chronic or recurring shin splint cases that haven’t responded to traditional care.
We understand that pain can be disruptive—but we also know the risks of dependency. Our team provides safe, short-term medication options that ease discomfort without relying on addictive prescriptions.
If your form is off, the pain will keep coming back. We offer gait analysis and running mechanics correction to identify inefficiencies in your stride and recommend exercises, footwear, or orthotics to keep you aligned and protected.
What sets Medici apart is our integrated, collaborative approach. We don’t rely on one therapy—we combine modalities that work together to support faster, more effective healing. By treating the body as a whole system, we can help athletes recover quickly and prevent future injuries from occurring.
Race season should be about setting personal records—not battling preventable pain. Whether you're gearing up for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, it's important to train smart and listen to your body. Early signs of shin splints or knee stress shouldn't be ignored—they're your body's way of saying it's time to course-correct before things get worse.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’re proud to offer more than just quick fixes. We provide the best pain relief for shin splints in athletes, along with a full spectrum of injury prevention strategies tailored to runners of all levels. From personalized therapy plans to advanced regenerative treatments, our team is here to keep you healthy, moving, and race-ready—without the need for surgery or long-term medications.
📍 Medici Orthopaedics & Spine – Kennesaw, Snellville, or Buckhead Locations
📞 Kennesaw: (770) 545-6404
📞 Snellville: (470) 645-9297
📞 Buckhead: (770) 872-7549
🌐 medicimedicalarts.com
🕐 Accepting new patients | Most major insurance plans & Medicare accepted
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