Why do I get shin splints when I run?

Shin splints are your lower leg's protest against a training error, not a disease. The NHS describes the pattern: pain and tenderness along the front of your lower leg that shows up with exercise like running. The mechanism is overload - the muscles and the tissue wrapping the shin bone absorb impact with every stride, and when the load outruns what they are conditioned for (a sudden mileage jump, a return after months off, hard pavements, or worn-out shoes), they become inflamed and sore. It is the classic too-much-too-soon injury, and the NHS is reassuring: it is not serious and usually gets better within a few weeks. The catch is that runners hate the actual treatment, which is relative rest - cut right back or switch to low-impact work (swimming, cycling) until walking is pain-free, then rebuild gradually, increasing weekly distance slowly. Ice wrapped in a towel settles the early soreness, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen gel can help, per the NHS. Worth checking while you rest: shoes with life left in them, softer surfaces for a while, and your running form - overstriding and heavy heel-striking load the shins more. The warning that this is not simple shin splints: pain in one pinpoint spot on the bone that hurts even at rest or at night, or pain that does not improve after a couple of weeks of proper rest - a stress fracture masquerades as shin splints and needs imaging. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you plan the comeback.