A new route, more hills or a jump in weekly distance can make training feel very different. Shin pain deserves attention before your next long run.
This is general education for adults, not a diagnosis or an individualized exercise prescription. Your symptoms, health history and any existing medical advice come first.
What might be behind the symptoms?
Shin splints describes exercise-related pain along the shin. It is not a diagnosis to assume whenever the lower leg hurts, particularly if pain is severe or follows an injury.
Our shin splints guide explains the related assessment and care options in more detail.
What you can try at home
Pause the exercise that brings on pain and choose a comfortable lower-impact option. Wrapped cold may help. When symptoms settle, rebuild gradually rather than restarting at the same mileage immediately.
Stop a self-care measure if it increases symptoms. If you are unsure whether it is suitable, ask a qualified health professional; do not delay medical care while trying home remedies.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice for severe pain or an injured shin. Persistent, worsening or very localized pain should be assessed instead of being treated as routine training soreness.
For a medical emergency in Alberta, call 911. Health Link at 811 can help with non-emergency health advice when you are unsure where to go.
How this fits your daily life
- Runners & endurance athletes: Bring your usual running shoes and a recent training week. Ask what would make a return to intervals or hills reasonable, and how to monitor your response the following day.
Explore the full Who we serve directory for other work, sport and life situations. These examples help you prepare a conversation; they do not mean everyone with the same activity needs the same treatment.
A useful question for your appointment
“Which recent training changes matter, and do we need to rule out a bone injury before planning a return?”
Which REVIVELAB service should you discuss?
- Physiotherapy — discuss assessment, movement and a rehabilitation plan.
- Running assessments — ask whether a running assessment is suitable after any injury needs are addressed.
These are options to discuss, not a recommendation to book every treatment. Please speak with a qualified professional at REVIVELAB for an assessment and advice tailored to you.
Visiting from Renfrew or nearby
All appointments take place at our Bridgeland clinic, 217 4 St NE, Unit 105, Calgary. We do not have a separate clinic in each neighbourhood. See the Renfrew area guide, browse surrounding Calgary communities, or check directions and clinic hours.
Book an appointment through Jane, or call 403 235 0535 if you are unsure which appointment to choose.
Patient information source
Read the public patient resource informing this guide . Accessed October 29, 2026. International resources may describe different healthcare pathways; local emergency numbers are given above.