What happens if you treat your shin splints?

With rest, ice, and elevation (RICE), shin splints usually improve in a few weeks to months. Pain from shin splints typically resolves within a few days to a few weeks.

If you treat shin splints early, you may be able to prevent them from becoming a more serious problem. If not treated properly, shin splints can lead to stress fractures.

Some cases of shin splints may not respond to conservative treatment and require further medical evaluation or treatment, such as physical therapy or orthotic devices.