Often mis-diagnosed as shin splints ... just what are the differences and how is compartment syndrome treated ? Calf and shin pain is a common problem in both new and established runners but there can be a number of different causes and it can be confusing. Shin splints is often the diagnosis that many reach for after a chat with the guy down the pub or Dr Google but there can be another sneaky problem lurking in the wings that doesn't respond to conventional shin splint the