Shin splints, ankle pain and knee problems!

[EmilyCC]

I recently joined a gym and have been going on average 4 times a week. I am not very fit but I'm not overweight so I started with a small amount of running and worked up to 15 minutes of running, 15 minutes of cycling and 15 minutes of running again.

After I had done this for a week I started having awful shin pain, a friend who has had shin splints before suggested that this is what it was. I then started going to the gym every other day and only doing what I could before the pain kicked in.
The pain has now left my shins (not completely though) and has gone to my ankles and knees, it is extremely painful in the mornings to the point that I have had to stop going alltogether.

I went last Wednesday and it is now Monday- every morning I have been in agony, mostly my anlkes and going up and down stairs is a nightmare. How am I still in pain 5 days later??

I would expect to have pain after using the gym as I have gone from doing no exercise to doing quite a lot regualrly but I can't help but think there is something underlying- this pain is really bad!

Can anyone help? I really want to get back in to my running but my ankles are just giving way at the moment.....

[Heidi]

First thing to look at is your trainers. Have you got proper running trainers and also are they suitable for you and your foot shape/movement.
I would advise you to go to a specialist running shop to get an assessment. They will be able to tell you quite quickly if they are not right for you.