Shin splints can cause pain in the front of the leg between the ankle and the knee. Runners often experience this painful injury, which can normally be treated with home remedies. In some cases, however, shin splints can develop into stress fractures, which are more serious and may require medical advice. As with many sports-related injuries, two common initial shin splints treatments are resting and icing the area. Taping the area to compress the muscles and taking pain relievers may also provide relief. After the injury has improved, wearing supportive footwear, avoiding exercise on concrete and hilly surfaces, and varying activities can help to prevent re-injury.
When shin pain occurs during or after a workout, it's important to rest the area and help soothe inflammation by applying ice. An ice pack can be applied to the muscle several times each day until the pain is lessened. Other helpful shin splints treatments include taping or binding the leg and taking pain relievers. An ace bandage or compression sleeve can be worn to help restrict muscle movement, while over-the-counter pain relievers can also be very effective in treating shin splint discomfort. Aspirin or ibuprofen are often the best choices for reducing inflammation and swelling.
When the pain has subsided enough for an exercise routine to be resumed, it may be helpful to start slowly. Watch for any signs that the injury has not completely healed and continue shin splints treatments if necessary. Running shoes should have adequate padding for shock absorption, as running on hard surfaces can be a major contributor to shin splints. Wearing a padded insole, making sure the shoes fit properly, and replacing them regularly can help this problem. Runners may need to replace their shoes more often than people who walk or do aerobics.
Other ways to prevent further injury include running on a track, treadmill, or other softer surface instead of concrete. Avoiding hills and varying activities may also be helpful. Try biking or aerobics instead of running to exercise different muscle groups. Finally, it's a good idea to warm up before a workout because doing so helps to prevent muscle injury. A few minutes of gentle stretching followed by brisk walking can accomplish this. If shin splints treatments do not help the injury or if it worsens, it may be necessary to see a doctor. Shin splints can develop into stress fractures, which will not go away without medical help.
