Typically, when someone says they have shinsplints, this is the injury they are usually referring to. The exact muscle involved is controversial. In the past, it was believed to be the posteror tibialis. It is now believed to be the soleus muscle. Athletes that over-pronate and have tight achilles tendons are susceptible to this injury.
Pronation is when the feet slant inward while standing.
Runners that run in only one direction on roads, may put one shin at risk because of the slant of roads that allows water to run off them. Treatment for this type of shin splint is rest, ice, stretching the achilles tendon, and strengthening exercises for the arch. Chronic conditions that come back year after year may need orthotics to correct foot over-pronation. This can take anywhere from one week to six weeks. When the running program is started again, it should be with gradual increases in mileage, not where the athlete left off prior to the injury.