There is evidence that not eating enough calcium can make you more susceptible to shin splints. A vitamin D deficiency may also contribute, since it’s vital for calcium absorption.

They are also a risk for the 35% of U.S. adults with a vitamin D deficiency, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In fact, they're so common, they account for 3 million U.S. health care visits annually.

Once the discomfort becomes unbearable, shin splints are usually diagnosed by one's healthcare provider after he or she conducts a physical examination and understands what physical activity may ...

Because shin splints cause ongoing pain, "they can certainly take the enjoyment out of any type of exercise," says Dr. Matthew Anastasi, a sports medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.