Jack Mackenzie injury: How long does a shin injury take to heal? Recovery times and possible return dates for Plymouth Argyle star

Plymouth Argyle defender Jack Mackenzie is set for another spell on the sidelines, after suffering a shin injury.

The 25-year-old has endured a frustrating start to life at Home Park since joining from Aberdeen in the summer, missing the early part of the season with knee tendonitis picked up in pre-season.

Although he has recovered from that setback, the Scottish Cup winner has now been struck by a fresh problem which is likely to delay his debut for the Pilgrims until November.

While expected to be out for a while, the question now arises: how long does a shin injury usually take to heal?

What is a shin injury?

A shin injury is any damage that affects the tibia, which is the large bone at the front of the lower leg. It can also involve the muscles and tissue around the bone. There are different types of shin injuries, including:

Bruised shin (contusion), which caused by direct impact, such as a tackle or kick
Shin splints, caused by overuse or running on hard surfaces
Stress fracture, a small crack in the tibia from repeated pressure, and
Tibia fracture, a full break in the shin bone, usually from heavy contact

Shin injuries vary in severity. Some just need ice and rest, while others, like fractures, may require surgery and long periods of recovery.

How long does a shin injury take to heal?

The healing time depends on the type of injury. Below is a guide to common shin injuries and their recovery periods:

Bruised shin (mild contusion): 3 to 7 days

This is the most common shin injury in football. It happens when the shin is hit directly. Pain and swelling are usually minor. Ice, rest, and compression help the area heal in under a week.

Moderate contusion or muscle injury: 1 to 3 weeks

Deeper bruises or soft tissue damage may cause more swelling, pain, and stiffness. Players might find it difficult to run or kick. Physiotherapy and rest are usually needed for full recovery.

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome): 2 to 6 weeks

This injury is caused by overuse and leads to pain along the inner part of the shin. It is common in players who increase their training load too quickly, which is the case for Mackenzie, with the defender expected to be out for four to six weeks. Treatment includes rest, ice, stretching, and sometimes custom insoles or footwear adjustments.

Stress fracture: 6 to 10 weeks

This is a small crack in the shin bone due to repeated stress. It often develops over time and can become worse if ignored. Players must stop all weight-bearing activities. In some cases, a protective boot is used. Healing usually takes around 8 weeks.

Complete tibia fracture: 3 to 6 months or more

A full break in the shin bone is rare but serious. It is usually caused by a major impact. Surgery may be needed to insert metal rods or screws. Recovery includes rest, rehab, and gradual return to training. In some cases, the player may be out for the rest of the season.

What are the risks of returning early from a shin injury?

Returning too soon from a shin injury can cause serious problems. The shin bone takes a lot of impact during matches, and if it has not healed fully, it may not handle the pressure. Some of the main risks include:

Worsening the injury, especially in the case of stress fractures or shin splints
New injuries in nearby muscles or joints, as the body tries to adjust
Chronic pain, which can last for months if the injury does not heal properly
Delayed healing, which could double the time away from football

For this reason, clubs and medical staff are always careful with shin injuries, with scans often used to check healing, especially for stress fractures.

Players are usually asked to complete low-impact activities like swimming or cycling before returning to the pitch.