Q:

What are shin-splints?  How do you get them and how do you get rid of them?

A:

"Shin splints" are usually understood to mean pain in the front aspect of the lower legs which seems to be made worse by exercise such as running, jumping and other exercise in which there is repetitive impact between the foot and the ground.  The pain usually occurs about 6-10 inches above the ankle, on the medial (inside) side of the leg, and may be either on one or both sides.

Unfortunately, the list of problems that can cause symptoms interpreted as "shin splints" is fairly long, including pain from muscle traction on the tibia (the most common cause), stress fractures of the tibia, deficient circulation to the leg, compartment syndrome (where the pressure inside a muscular compartment rises high enough with exercise that circulation to the muscles and nerves in the compartment is compromised), even bone infections and bone tumors.

Usually, "shin splints" that is not caused by some serious condition responds to rest until the pain has been resolved for 2-3 weeks (you can do non-impact exercise such as bike riding, swimming, etc. during that period), and then reinstitution of the impact exercise very gradually. During the rest period, you should work on stretching the Achilles tendon/heel cord gently and gradually.  Sometimes it is necessary to modify shoes, get molded arch supports (orthotics), etc.  If the symptoms do not resolve in a reasonable length of time, or if they return when you reinstitute impact exercise, a visit to your sports physician is in order to look for more serious causes. 

                     ~The Doc