How can i tell if i have shin splints?

Question

I recently started running on the treadmill again. After about a month of fairly regular running (every other day or so) the lower half of my legs now hurt when I run. It's the same pain I used to get last year when I ran the mile for my schools track team only before it only hurt directly after i finished my runs, not during them. It's a pain on the inside of my calves, to the inside of my shins and it feels kindof like maybe my bones are weak and can't fully support my body. I am not overweight and am in decent shape, 17 years old, and I have middle-long distance running shoes that I got fitted to my feet about 1 1/2 years ago. I have no idea why my legs are hurting but i thought maybe shin splints but I would appreciate any feedback as it's preventing me from running more than 2 miles (on the road or the treadmill) and I can't get a good workout. =[

Answer 1

hmmm i had that problem when i used to run cross country and i am thinking that it is shin splints.

normally it is caused because you aren't used to using the muscles in your legs like that on a regular basis. i know it hurts now but just keep running and it will go away.

Answer 2

you can tell when you have shin splints when you feel a sharp pain shooting up from your ankle , really painful , dont run on it !

Answer 3

if you do have shin-splints, and you might, DONT run on them. It will only increase the size of the fracture. What you should do is work out your legs with weights focusing on your knee areas and calves.  You should likely see a doctor as shin splints are tiny hairline fractures. It is hard for anyone to diagnose you over the internet and a Doctor can give you good hands on advice.