Shin splints are a painful running injury that can affect all athletes, but it's especially common in new and beginning runners. Technically known as tibial stress syndrome or strain, shin splints can lead to more serious injuries, including a stress fracture, if not treated properly.
Shin splint symptoms
The main symptoms of shin splints are tenderness and pain along the outer part of the shin (anterior) or the inside of the shin (medial). However, shin splints symptoms vary based on how far the injury has progressed. According to Tim Noakes, MD, the author of Lore of Running, this running injury progresses through four main stages, and the symptoms intensify through each stage:
1. Pain after exercise. When shin splints first start to rear their ugly head, you may notice a dull ache or general discomfort in your calf or on the inside of your shin. This pain will first be noticeable not during running, but afterwards, according to Noakes.
2. Shin pain while running, but bearable. If you ignore this post-running pain, eventually you'll notice pain in your shin and lower leg while running. At first, this pain will be bearable and you may continue to run with only minor discomfort.
3. Intense shin pain while running. Eventually the pain will progress from a dull ache along your shin and lower leg to an intense pain that makes running impossible. It will also take longer and longer for the pain to subside once you stop running.
4. Shin pain while walking. Some runners continue to put in their miles even when it is incredibly painful. Those who continue to run past stage 3 will soon encounter lower leg pain even while walking. As Noakes points out, at this point the shin splint may have progressed to a stress fracture.
What causes shin splints?
Shin splints, or tibial stress syndrome, can be caused by a host of factors, but most experts agree that overtraining is one of the primary causes. This is especially true for beginning runners who have started a new running program. Shin splints can occur if you suddenly increase your mileage or running intensity (like doing speedwork) without giving your body time to adapt. This is why most running experts recommend increasing your mileage no more than 10 percent per week.
According to Noakes, shin splints and tibial stress syndrome can also be caused by running in the wrong shoes or improper biomechanics.
If you suspect you may have shin splints, immediate treatment can minimize your time off from running. Read more on treatment for shin splints for more information.
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