Shin Splints: Can shin splints be caused by a sprained ankle?

» JLeighK - Can shin splints be caused by a sprained ankle?

I am fifteen years old and I found out a few months ago that I have a shin splint in my right leg. Before that, I thought that the pain in my shin was a remnant of when I sprained my right ankle over a year ago. Now, my ankle still bugs me a bit, but the major problem is the shin splint! I often find it acts up as much as it wants to, as often as it wants to. It acts up for no reason at all most of the time! I rarely do any running and sometimes I have to sit out of my gym class because it hurts too much.
A few times it has hurt me so much that I debated getting a really sharp knife and cutting off my leg. Really!! Earlier today, it felt like someone was scraping slivers off of the bone!
My question is, can shin splints be caused by a sprained ankle? Because the shin splint only appeared after I sprained my right ankle but before I could run again.

Thanks!

-- posted by JLeighK