How can i tell if i have shin splints or a medial stress fracture?

See doctor: A bone scan or MRI is diagnostic of a stress reaction or fracture. Plain X-rays will reveal it if it is severe and prolonged enough. SHin splints represent an inflammation of the periosteum where the muscles attach to the tibial. Stress reactions indicate that the amount of street you are putting on the tbia exceeds the body's ability to heal it. If you hop on the effected leg and hurts see doc