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Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are commonly associated with overuse in running due to the repetitive impact and stress placed on the lower legs. This condition typically arises from running activities that increase the intensity or duration too quickly, leading to inflammation and pain along the shinbone (tibia). The repetitive loading and eccentric loading during activities like running can strain the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the area, resulting in discomfort and, if not addressed, potentially more severe injuries.

In contrast, the other options generally involve different mechanisms or types of injury. For example, a medial collateral ligament sprain is usually linked to acute trauma or a direct blow to the knee, rather than chronic overuse. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa that can result from repetitive motion, but it’s typically not exclusive to running and may occur in various joints. Meniscal tears often occur with sudden twisting motions of the knee and are usually associated with acute injuries rather than chronic overuse mechanisms seen in shin splints.