How Long Does it Take to Heal Shin Tendinitis?

Tendonitis is a condition of inflammation or irritation of the tendons, the fibrous cords that bind the muscles to the bones. Their main function is to transmit energy that a muscle contraction generates to the bone. This helps move the bone. Tendonitis of the shin usually causes pain and discomfort, as well as stiffness. The most common causes are overwork of the bone or muscle, improper posture and bad positioning of the tendons at work. Inflammation is also caused by diseases such as arthritis, gout, psoriasis, thyroid imbalance or diabetes.

Shin Tendonitis

• The shin is the outer part of the leg located between the ankle and the knee. Tendonitis can cause shin splints, or pain in the shin. This is more pronounced while you are running. Tendonitis generally happens when people suffer from medial tibial stress syndrome. When you experience shin pain or discomfort, your doctor will advise treatment methods after making a proper and thorough diagnosis. In tendonitis of the shin, surgery is rarely required, although this is not a rule.

Healing Time

• Healing time for tendonitis of the shin depends entirely on the individual. It depends on factors such as the nature of injury, the age of the individual, the general health of the patient, a natural ability for healing and so on. It is not possible to set a finite time limit for recovery. A health professional can advise you on how long you may require specific treatments. The recovery period ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

  However, in almost all cases, the first step is to make sure you do not exert yourself once the diagnosis is made. Complete rest for the first two weeks is almost a certain prescription. Another line of treatment is RICE. An acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, this is treatment step beyond standard first aid. RICE is normally recommended until you are physically ready for other treatments such as physical therapy. At times, RICE can heal tendonitis, in which case you may not need further treatment.

Healing Process

• Healing does not end with the necessary treatment, which can include, but is not limited to, massage, acupressure, acupuncture, physical therapy, rest, medication and rarely, corticosteroid injection and surgery. Proper strategies have to be implemented for risk reduction. Some of these strategies include wearing proper footwear; using walking equipment and orthoses; maintaining proper posture; exercising over a long period and so on.

  Some patients who have a tendency for this ailment keep experiencing the problem over and over. With repetitive injuries or frequently recurring disease, recovery time is longer.