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The Best Treatment for Shin Splints

Shin splints is a general term used to cover various kinds of shin pain. There are both non-surgical and surgical options for treating shin splints. Non-surgical options are preferred since the effectiveness of surgical options is uncertain. Spin splints are usually caused by vigorous repetitive physical activity that causes inflammation of the muscles, tendons and the layer of tissue covering the bone. Stress fractures, or hairline cracks, can also form in the lower leg bones. The pain occurs along the large bone in the lower leg.

  1. Non-surgical Treatments

    • Shin splint sufferers have several options for non-surgical treatment of shin splints and rest is a key ingredient. While resting from the exercise, ice is an easy treatment that can help alleviate the pain. Apply ice packs to the shin area for 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours. The ice packs can be used for two or three days or until the pain subsides. Ice massage can also be effective. Freeze water in a paper cup. Peel away the top of the cup so that the ice is exposed. Then rub the ice over the leg for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

      Your doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine to help with the pain and inflammation. Another important treatment involves the use of arch supports, or orthodics, to keep the feet from over-pronating. For the shin splint sufferer who exercises vigorously, substituting a low-impact exercise for a high-impact exercise for a period of time can give some relief and assist healing.

    Surgical Treatments

    • Surgery is sometimes recommended in severe cases of shin splints that do not respond to the nonsurgical methods of treatment. However, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that the effectiveness of surgery for shin splints is not certain.

    Prevention

    • There are several steps you can take to help prevent shin splints from occurring. Start any new activities or exercise gradually. Proper warm-up is important, so stretch the muscles in the front of the leg and calf before any exercise. Choose shoes that have the proper support and padding. This also means replacing the shoes you wear for exercise on a regular basis. If you run or jog for exercise, choose softer surfaces for running. And if shin pain does occur, stop the running or exercise and rest.

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