There are several causes for sore shins, some of which include improper shoe fit and over-exertion of leg muscles. Another cause may be physical activity without prior warm-up exercises or incorrect stretching. Torn ligaments and calf muscles may also cause sore shins. A condition known as tibial stress syndrome may also produce symptoms of pain and soreness in the shins and lower legs.
Shin splints may cause sore shins and pain in the calf area. This also may be caused by tendinitis or other inflammatory conditions. Shin splint soreness occurs when repetitive motion strain leads to injury of the lower leg. There are various factors that can produce this. Most often shin splints, also referred to as tibial stress syndrome, are due to participation in sports that cause impact on muscles and tendons.
When a person wears shoes that cause fatigue and strain, he may be prone to issues involving the feet, legs, and joints. Wearing improperly fitted shoes, or even wearing the wrong type of shoe for exercise may contribute to soreness. Runners and athletes must choose the correct shoe with proper support and cushion to prevent such injuries.
Some diseases or medical conditions may cause soreness in the lower legs and shins. Diabetes is one disease that may produce these symptoms. Diabetics are also prone to infections from sores that are slow healing, and this too may contribute to pain in the shins or legs.
Peripheral artery disease may cause circulatory problems and pain in various parts of the body. This is due to arteries that have become narrow and often blocked. Pain or soreness may be localized in the legs or shins, or felt throughout the body. Smoking or high blood pressure can lead to narrowing of the arteries, which, in turn, may cause sore shins in some cases.
A more common condition known as varicose veins often may cause sore shins and leg pain. This is due to swelling and inflammation of the affected legs. When the enlarged veins protrude through the skin, walking may become painful and soreness in the shin area may result.
Some people are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures. For these individuals, exposure to cold temperatures may cause shin soreness. The discomfort generally goes away when the affected area is gradually warmed. Shin discomfort caused by cold temperatures can be easily prevented by wearing warm layers of clothing and keeping the legs covered when exposed to the cold.