Running Hurts – But Should It?

If you’ve ever gone for a jog and felt that dull ache or sharp pain along your shin bone, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common complaints we hear from runners—especially those training harder or upping their mileage.

But is it really just shin splints… or could it be something more?

Let’s break it down in plain language so you can better understand what’s going on in your legs—and know when it’s time to get professional help.

What Are Shin Splints, Exactly?

Shin splints (the medical name is medial tibial stress syndrome) are caused by irritation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your shin. They often show up when:

• You suddenly increase your running distance or speed

• You change terrain (like going from treadmill to road)

• You wear worn-out or unsupportive shoes

• You have flat feet or poor foot mechanics

How it feels:
A dull ache or throbbing pain along the front or inside of your shin, especially during or after exercise.

Good news: With rest, proper footwear, and gradual training, shin splints usually settle down.

But Here’s the Thing… It Might Not Be Shin Splints

Sometimes, what feels like shin splints could actually be something more serious or a completely different issue.

Here are some common conditions that are often confused with shin splints:

1. Stress Fractures

These tiny cracks in the bone come from overuse and can feel very similar to shin splints—but usually sharper and more focused in one spot.

Signs it could be a stress fracture:

• Pain continues even at rest

• There’s a specific point that feels extremely tender

• The pain gets worse over time

Don't ignore this one—left untreated, stress fractures can get worse and sideline you for months.

2. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS)

This is a less common but serious condition where pressure builds up in the leg muscles during exercise.

How it feels:

• Tight, cramping pain in the lower leg

• Numbness or tingling in the foot

• Pain that eases shortly after stopping activity

CECS often affects both legs and needs medical assessment.

3. Tendonitis

The tendons around your ankle or shin (like the tibialis posterior or anterior) can get inflamed from overuse.

Signs it could be tendonitis:

• Pain when flexing or pointing your foot

• Swelling or warmth in a specific area

• Discomfort when walking uphill or running

4. Nerve Issues

Sometimes leg pain stems from nerve compression, either in your back or around the ankle. It can mimic the feeling of shin splints but often includes tingling or weakness.

So... How Do You Know What You're Dealing With?

It’s not always easy to tell on your own. But there are a few questions you can ask yourself:

• Does the pain go away with rest or is it constant?

• Is the pain spread out or in one pinpointed area?

• Have I recently changed my training routine?

• Are my shoes supportive and in good condition?

• Do I feel any tingling, numbness or weakness?

If your pain sticks around, gets worse, or keeps you from running comfortably—it’s time to get it checked out.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

At Peak Podiatry, we don’t just look at your symptoms—we look at how you move, train, and recover.

Here’s how we can support you:

Full gait and movement assessment – to spot underlying issues in your foot or leg mechanics
Custom insoles – to support your arches and improve alignment
Laser therapy – to reduce inflammation and speed up healing in some cases
Training advice – based on your current activity and goals
Evidence-based care – backed by real-world experience helping runners like you

Don’t Let Leg Pain Stop Your Stride

Robert, our clinic owner, knows firsthand how frustrating leg pain can be—he’s a competitive sprinter himself. That’s why Peak Podiatry takes running injuries seriously. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, we’re here to help you recover safely and run pain-free.

Ready to Get to the Bottom of Your Leg Pain?

Book a consultation at our Galway or Limerick clinic today. We’ll figure out what’s causing the problem and build a plan that gets you back doing what you love—moving confidently, without pain.