You've just gotten back into regular exercise and then they strike, the dreaded shin splints. I get asked this a lot 'What can I do about shin splints'. My first answer is always always going to be, go and see a podiatrist or other relevant health specialist. First let me explain a little what your looking at.
Shin Splints is a more common term for tibial stress syndrome it's pretty much pain anywhere between the knee and ankle. It has a number of possible causes I am going to cover the three of the most common.
Incorrect or older shoes can tend to cause shin splints because they may be causing your running technique to be off. If you have flat feet or a poor running style, you may just find shin splints are a problem for you. Short answer get new shoes, Longer answer go see a podiatrist and see if you need inserts or if they recommend a certain type of shoe for your foot arch situation and the activity you are doing.
Overuse is another big one. If you run a lot for sport or you just like running you may have problems with this. You can always rest for 6-8 weeks and see how you go, and by rest I don't mean lying on the couch eating pies. Change to low or no impact exercise such as swimming, cycling or deep water running.
Tight muscles in the legs and hips can also throw everything out and cause shin pain. This is one you will definitely need to go see a health specialist about. You can start by making sure you are stretching everything effectively such as hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, groin, calves.
When I have had them in the past I switch my shoes and ice the area and generally it goes away but this may not work for you so as they say in the paracetamol ads 'If Pain Persists See Your Doctor'. I have been accused of being a little 'tight'when it comes to money, but good shoes are something I don't mind dropping a lot of cash on and neither should you.
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