What it is: Shin splints cause pain along the inner edge of the shinbone and are especially common among new runners or those returning after a break.
Symptoms: Dull or sharp pain in the lower leg, usually at the beginning of a run. Left untreated, it can progress into stress fractures.
Why it happens: Too much too soon. Rapid increases in mileage, poor footwear, or running on hard surfaces can overwhelm the muscles and tendons along the tibia.
How to treat it: Rest is key, along with:
- Wearing supportive running shoes
- Gradually increasing training volume
- Strengthening the lower legs (e.g., toe taps, calf raises)
- Cross-training with lower-impact activities like cycling or swimming
