mis-diagnosed shin splints?

Here's a crude representation of the anatomic structure of the lower leg: The soleus and gastrocnemius muscles wrap around the leg.. the bulk of them are in the rear of the calf, but they wrap around and attach to the bone in the front. As such, many cases of shin splints present with pain in the front.. but it is also possible for the larger parts of the muscles to get knotted up in the back.

It's interesting to note that while I had most of my pain in the front (or 'shin'), my physiotherapist mostly worked on the back of my calves. This is because my muscles were so tight, that was the only way to start working out the pain.

I'd take a trip to your nearest physiotherapist, preferably one that does sports therapy, and get their opinion. It may be shin splints, it may be something else. I often find that most doctors just have no clue when it comes to stuff like this.

Good luck!

I'd be going to a sports doc or sports PT. "Shin splints" is a lame general diagnosis that covers a multitude of lower leg issues. Seek a doc that can do better than that!

You may have what is called posterior shin splints.  I know that is a general term, but it occurs from muscle being to tight and pulling on the bone.  Stretching can help alot, plus inserting heel cups into you shoes can relieve some pressure.