How to Treat Shin Splints

Shin splints are a painful condition associated with the shinbone (or tibia). The pain associated with shin splints can range from aggravating to curtailing your walking, working and life! Often, shin splints occur in people who have not been doing a regular exercise program (primarily running) or who restart their activity without the proper warm up and information on how to prevent shin splints from occurring. Here are some methods for preventing and treating shin splints.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Shin splints are often an inflamation of the shin bone and the surrounding sheath (periostium).

   Shin splint pain is usually associated with the front of the lower leg caused by inflammation of the bones and surrounding structures. Many times, shin splints occur after a period of inactivity, but can also occur spontaneously or from overtraining.

2. Pain and disruption in walking or sports is the major sign of shin splints. You may find walking or sports to be intolerable and experience pain in front of your lower leg(s).

3. Rest, ice, elevation and pain relief are the best remedies for many sporting injuries, including shin splints. However, some of these methods might become difficult to incorporate into an active lifestyle.

4. Most cases of shin splints resolve in about 48 to 72 hours with the proper treatment of rest, ice, elevation and pain control. After the shin splints have resolved, many therapist suggest several days of moist heat to the site with deep tissue massage for additional healing and strengthening.

5. If shin splints are a recurring problem, you should most likely see a podiatrist or sports therapist for biomechanical evaluation of your feet. Also, consider that shin splints can be caused by wearing rundown shoes or sneakers most of the time. Once again, prevention is always the best medicine.

Tips & Warnings

• Frequently check your workout shoes/sneakers for wear and tear.
• Never skimp on the quality of the workout shoe if you take your runs and workouts seriously. Better shoes equal better performance and prevention.
• Check with you health care provider before implementing any new treatments or seeking advice elsewhere.

[grouch]

on 3/29/2008 Oh ouch! I remember these as a child they called them growing pains when I was younger. Thanks for the tips.