Running isn't a painless activity. Because it is a high-impact form of exercise it distributes shock waves of impact throughout your lower body. These can disrupt and contribute to injuries in the ankles, legs, knees, hips and even the lower back. Sharp pains that develop when running can often be traced to a few possible conditions, but it may require a doctor's expertise to correctly diagnose the problem.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common complaint by runners both inexperienced and seasoned. They can cause shooting pain in the legs that is worse during exercise. Shin splints are caused by swelling or inflammation in the tissues that cover the shin bone. These small muscles and tendons can be injured through overuse or a sudden change in activity, which is why many new runners complain of the pain. But shin splints can also be a blanket term incorrectly used to identify pain in the legs; a trainer should evaluate the legs to confirm the origin of the injury. Ice and rest should heal shin splints in a few days' time.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures result from overuse similar to how shin splints develop, but a fracture is more severe -- it creates a very small fracture in the bones of your leg. This results in sharp pain that is worse during exercise. If stress continues to be placed on the fracture it can grow larger, further damaging the leg. Stress fractures should not be pushed through when running and should be tended to by a doctor. Runners who develop stress fractures may be sidelined for up to six weeks, according to CoolRunning.com.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains can occur anywhere in the body, but running can cause them to develop in the legs. Strains are tears to the muscles and tendons in your legs, while sprains are tears to the ligaments connecting your bones together. These can range from minor, partial tears of the tissues to complete tears that require surgery to be reattached and properly rehabilitated. If you develop either a sprain or a strain, tenderness, swelling and an inability to fully use the muscle or joint will likely develop. Stop running and see how the injury develops over the next few hours or days. If pain is severe, see a doctor.
Considerations
In most cases you can take a few days off to see how the pain improves. If rest and ice to control the swelling and inflammation don't improve the condition of your injury after a few days, visit a doctor. Shin splints are rarely serious and almost never require medical attention to heal. Stress fractures, on the other hand, usually need some sort of support to heal properly without risk of the injury worsening. Strains and sprains may require medical attention depending on their severity, but minor sprains and strains can often be healed through rest and at-home treatment.
