I had shin splints a long time ago, in grade 7, which was about 17 years ago. My symptoms were a bit different, so I'm not sure if what you have is shin splints. Basically for me, EVERYTHING made my shins hurt. I especially remember trying to get through gym class without anyone knowing because I was always a tough, tom-boy type. By everything making my shins hurt, I even mean when I was throwing a shot put. That was when I knew for sure that something was wrong, when it wasn't just impact activities like running, but all kids of movement like throwing. The pain usually dulled out after some rest time and ice, but they were hurting most of the time. It was a sharp, achey, throbbing pain, that also hurt when pressed/touched.
I hope this helps you out. I'd still go to the doc to confirm. I didn't, but when talked about it with a doc years later, he confirmed that's what it was.
Cheers.
p.s. Shin splints are synonymous with stress fractures. View Thread
I've had Osgood Schlatter's Disease in both knees when I was in grade 6, I've had tendinitis in my left wrist, I had a cyst removed from a tendon in my right hand, and now I have, what I'm almost 100% sure is, Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot (haven't been to the doc yet, but I have the exact symptoms).
Why do I keep having these types of tendon and ligament issues in my life? Are some peoples' bodies just like that? Besides stretching, are there any suppliments or vitamins I can take to help improve ligament and tendon health?