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Our user asked: "I've been running for about 4 years now. Avg. 20-30 miles per week. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Runners Knee in right knee. My right leg has never been as flexible and so my hamstring/IT band is quite tight. I stretch daily even if I don't run. I do strength exercises off and on for all around leg strength. I still occasionally feel my knee pain, but if I up the stretching/ice it goes away. Now I have a new problem. About 2 weeks ago I started having painful shins. This is new for me. I took a week off running, stretched my calves more etc.. Ran a 15k with no problems. Next week, shins were tight and hurting. Took another week off. I've been stretching/icing but they are so tight. In fact from the top of my foot to under my knee, all around (but especially my outer muscle in the right leg) is very tight and aches always. I'm feeling a alot of fatigue. I have only run 13.5 miles in two weeks. This is driving me crazy. Any ideas? I'm ready to call my PT back, but I'd like to hear your ideas first."
Ask a PT Response: "From what you describe it sounds like you may have developed shin splints. This condition is often caused as the result of poor biomechanics at the feet, weakness of the ankle muscles, decrease flexibility at the ankle joint, increasing training too quickly, running on hard or uneven surfaces, etc. If your R leg is less flexible than the L, this may definitely affect your lower leg and contribute to your current symptoms as well. It may be a good ideal to go ahead and consult with your PT to determine if this is the condition you are suffering from and to obtain a plan of care for treatment. Good luck."
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