How can I tell if it's shin splints?

[Magellan]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but is there such a thing as shin ache that isn't shin splints, and how can you tell one from the other?

I have a feeling in my shin, and it's not unpleasant enough to be called pain, but it's very definitely there. It's a strong feeling without being a pain, which is quite weird. I've run on it and it doesn't get worse, and when I'm running it sometimes disappears altogether, and then comes back afterwards.

Everything I've read about shin splints talks of 'pain' and some articles say that shin splints hurt when prodded: mine doesn't.

For context I have been running since early February, managed C25K, and am now doing three runs a week: one of 20 mins, one of 30 mins, and one of 40 mins. The gradient is mostly between 3% and 8%. I'm going rather slowly, my overall pace is just slightly faster than 8mins per km.

If this is just a mild little insignificant thing I'm happy enough to run on, and if it's shin splints I know I'm meant to take a 2-4 week break.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Ouch poor you. Unfortunately we can't diagnose. I know as I'm running I get various little niggles which come and go. Usually by the end of the run I forget they were there. Knowing your body helps. In years gone buy when I've attempted and failed running due to shin splints it was because unlike c25k I did too much to quickly. I also was tackling steep hills too early. It doesnt sound like any of these are issues for you. Hopefully someone else will pop up with ideas. Good luck and happy running 🤗

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

There are other things it can be... runnersworld.com/health-inj...

Hope that helps and that you recover swiftly.

[Magellan Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Sorry, can"t really help but I have on the odd occasion had aching in my shins which has just settled and gone away in a couple of days, so assume this wasn't shin splints ( so there is hope!) My sister on the other hand, has had real problems with them and had to take a proper break from running on a couple of occasions.

I hope the link that Unfitnomore has given may help answer your question. Good luck.🙂

[Hidden]

Hi. Sorry to hear you are suffering. Only you will know the extent of the discomfort that you are feeling, and I am certainly no medical expert, but I thought sharing my experience might help....

I suffered shin splints at the start of April during consolidation from C25k. The pain in my shins was above my ankle on the inner side of my shin (medial tibial stress syndrome). It initially eased off when running, but then became sore all the time, especially at night.

I took 2 weeks off running and as it was mid-lockdown, had to rely on the web to provide treatment advice to help my shin splints heal. Icing, elevation, strengthening exercises and Epsom Bath Salts all helped. I then returned to running very gradually, using intervals initially for several runs before building up to a consecutive run of 20 minutes.

Whether it is shin splints or not, taking a few days off running might be a good idea to help ease the discomfort anyway. I hope this helps and you are back to running at your best soon.

[Magellan Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I took a bit of time off and it does seem to have helped.

[Hidden in reply to Magellan]

That's good to hear. Ease back in gently and hopefully you will stay injury free. I've kept up with strengthening exercises and Epsom Salts and still okay. Lots of stretching is good - I upped my yoga practice and that has certainly helped too. Good luck and happy running.