I love running but often get sharp pains just behind my shin bones when I'm running regularly. I think it might be shin splints, but a relatively mild case. I have tight calf muscles too, and have noticed the pain is worse when my calves are feeling tight. I stretch them as much as I can but it doesn't seem to help. Any suggestions? I don't want to give up running.
L, Herne Hill
Your problem sounds as if it may be related to foot over-pronation which is similar to flattening of the foot when you run or hop and take weight through the foot. Over pronation can alter lower limb biomechanics and cause twisting of the muscles in the lower limb. It can also mean that you take weight through an area of the foot or lower limb that was not supposed to take so much weight. Tightness in the calf muscles is common with this condition. Over pronation is common and often found in runners.
What you need is a biomechanical assessment from a physiotherapist and most likely orthoses (insoles) to correct the foot position. You also need to stretch the calf, hamstring and quadriceps muscles and the iliotibial band (ITB).
You should also make sure that you have good running shoes with a firm heel cup to prevent foot rolling when you run. If this problem is assessed and corrected you should be able to go back to running.
Our physios would be happy to have a look at you. We also have a podiatrist who is an expert in foot biomechanics and we can prescribe orthoses at a cost of £35. Get in touch!