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- Q My shins are very sore when I run. What is the problem?
- A You could be suffering from one of several similar conditions: 1. Shin splints. This is usually caused by repeated irritation of the shin bone by the muscles at the front of the lower leg, which will be due to a gait problem, insufficiently supportive shoes, or excessive training. The solution is to seek early treatment - which should be either a prescription for more supportive shoes, or rest followed by a careful return to training, including more running on softer surfaces. 2. Compartment syndrome. This is caused by a rapid build-up in training volumes, and results in the muscles at the front of the shin expanding faster than the surrounding muscle sheaths can accommodate. The solution is to RICE the area, reduce training volumes and build up again gradually. 3. Periostitis. This refers to pain and/or roughness or swelling along the front of the shin and inflammation of the tissue surrounding the bone. The usual causes are overuse, incorrect footwear and poor biomechanics. Following assessment, a change in footwear and/or running surface as well as corrective exercises may be necessary. 4. Stress fracture. This is a hairline fracture of the shin bone, which causes increasing pain as the duration of a run increases. The causes of stress fractures are running on hard surfaces and excessive training volumes. Stress fractures can be hard to identify, even with x-rays - but once they have been identified, the solutions to them are usually the same: rest, a change from running on hard surfaces to running on soft surfaces, a reduction in mileage, and always wearing well-cushioned shoes. All the conditions listed above are treatable, but as the symptoms are similar it is of the utmost importance that you do not self-diagnose your injury. You must always go to your doctor or health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
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