Why Do the Insides of My Legs Hurt When I Run?

Pain in the inside of your legs when running, especially along the shin area, can be frustrating and worrying. Many runners experience discomfort in this region, often due to a condition known as shin splints. At SA Running Injury Clinic, we see many active individuals who suffer from shin pain, and we understand how important it is to address the issue early on. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of shin pain and the treatment options available to help you recover and get back to running pain-free.

What Causes Pain in the Inside of the Legs When Running?

Pain along the inside of the legs while running, often referred to as shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is caused by overuse and strain on the muscles and tendons surrounding the shinbone. Several factors can contribute to shin pain, including:

• Overuse: Increasing running distance or intensity too quickly can put excessive strain on your shins, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Incorrect Footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t provide proper arch support or cushioning can result in poor foot mechanics, increasing stress on the shin.
• Poor Running Technique: Running with improper form, such as overstriding or having an uneven gait, can place extra pressure on the insides of the legs.
• Flat Feet or High Arches: These conditions can cause your feet to roll inward or outward, which may lead to imbalances that contribute to shin pain.
• Running on Hard Surfaces: Hard or uneven surfaces, such as concrete, can exacerbate the impact on your shins.

Signs and Symptoms of Shin Pain

Shin pain typically manifests as tenderness along the shinbone, but it may also include:

• A dull or sharp pain that worsens with running or increases in intensity after exercise.
• Swelling or inflammation in the lower leg area.
• Tenderness when you press on the inside of your shin.
• Discomfort that gets worse with increased activity or running on hard surfaces.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional advice to prevent further injury and address the underlying causes of the pain.

How to Treat Shin Pain and Prevent It from Returning

At SA Running Injury Clinic, we offer a range of effective treatments to manage shin pain and get you back to running with reduced discomfort. Our treatments are tailored to address the root causes of shin splints and provide long-lasting relief. Here's how we can help:

1. Custom 3D Printed Orthotics

One of the most effective ways to alleviate shin pain is by addressing any underlying foot mechanics issues. Custom-made orthotics are designed to provide the necessary support for your feet, ensuring proper alignment and reducing pressure on your shins. Our 3D printed orthotics are specifically tailored to your feet, ensuring they fit perfectly and help improve your gait, posture, and overall running form. These orthotics are particularly beneficial for those with flat feet, high arches, or any imbalances that might be contributing to shin pain.

2. Gait Analysis and Footwear Advice

A gait analysis is a critical part of understanding your running form and identifying any irregularities that might lead to shin pain. By analysing how you move while running, our team can pinpoint any issues with your stride, posture, or foot mechanics that may be contributing to your discomfort. We’ll then provide personalised recommendations for footwear that will support your running style and help reduce stress on your shins.

3. Shockwave Therapy

For those suffering from persistent shin pain, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help speed up recovery. This therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the injured tissues, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Shockwave therapy is especially effective for treating chronic shin splints and other overuse injuries, providing fast relief and promoting long-term healing.

4. K-Laser Therapy

K-Laser therapy is another advanced treatment we offer at SA Running Injury Clinic. It uses red and near-infrared light to penetrate deep into the tissues, reducing inflammation and accelerating the healing process. This therapy is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries, such as shin splints, by promoting faster tissue repair and reducing pain, allowing you to get back to your running routine more quickly.

5. Rest and Rehabilitation Exercises

While treatments are essential, rest is also crucial for allowing your shins to heal. At SA Running Injury Clinic, we guide you through a personalised rehabilitation programme that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around your shins and improve your flexibility. This can prevent further injury and ensure that your legs are ready for future runs without pain.

Preventing Shin Pain in the Future

Once you’ve recovered from shin pain, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips to help:

• Gradual Increase in Intensity: Avoid increasing your running distance or speed too quickly. Gradually build up to prevent overuse injuries.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Choose running shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to reduce the impact on your legs. Make sure to replace worn-out shoes regularly.
• Warm-Up and Stretch: Always warm up before running and focus on stretching your calves, hamstrings, and shins to improve flexibility.
• Cross-Train: Mix running with other low-impact activities, such as cycling or swimming, to reduce stress on your shins.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your shin pain doesn’t improve with rest or standard treatments, it’s time to seek professional help. At SA Running Injury Clinic, our experienced podiatrists can assess your condition, identify the root cause of your shin pain, and recommend the best treatment options to help you recover quickly and safely.

Book an Appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic Today

Don’t let shin pain hold you back from your running goals. Book an appointment at SA Running Injury Clinic and let our expert team help you treat shin splints effectively. We’ll work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and gets you back to running without pain.