Which begs the question: How long do shin splints last? Shin splints are tiny injuries to the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your shinbone, the tibia, caused by repeated stress to the area. “Shin splints can be painful but are usually not serious if treated early.”How long does a shin splint last? “For example, with walking or running programs, you should not increase any more than 10% duration or mileage per week.”Physical therapyTending to shin splints should come with exercises to strengthen and stretch the calf muscles, the muscles around the shin, hips, and core, according to our experts. Supportive footwearSupportive, comfortable shoes can go a long way in staving off shin splints.