How painful is a shin fracture?

A shin fracture, also known as a tibial fracture, can range from mild to severe pain depending on the severity and location of the break. Mild fractures, such as stress fractures, may cause dull, aching pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. More severe fractures, such as complete breaks, can cause intense, sharp pain that makes it difficult or impossible to walk. In severe cases, the pain may be accompanied by swelling, bruising, and deformity of the shin.