Shin splints are a common problem faced by people with lower legs. The problem usually arises in the shin bone (the tibia), and you will experience pain. Sometimes it becomes a difficult ailment to cure, and they may rapidly derail whatever training program you follow up with. Easy runs, in particular, are ideal for doing on trails since you won’t have to worry about speed and will be able to appreciate your surroundings while giving your legs a breather from paved surfaces.
Shin splints are a broad name for discomfort along the shin bone or tibia. Shin splints cause discomfort to run down the front or sides of your shin. This normally shows up when people exercise, especially when running. Moreover, the splints damage the muscles, tendons, or bone tissue surrounding your shin causing it. In such vital conditions, it is advised to opt for shin splint treatment without further delay.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
There is a good chance of shin splints when you generally face unusual discomfort. The discomfort normally occurs when you exercise and may lessen off initially throughout your session. You should opt for shin splints treatment whenever you encounter such a symptom, or the situation may worsen in the near future.
Some Effective Shin Splints Treatment Procedures
- When diving deep into the aspects of shin splints treatment, firstly, one of the common home remedies is using an ice pack to aid with pain relief. First, wrap the ice pack in a towel and lay it on your skin for ten to twenty minutes. To get better results, you may do this as many times as you need during the day.
- Secondly, resting your legs could also be an excellent strategy to alleviate shin splints. You may be able to continue exercising during this time, but in severe circumstances, you may be unable to run for up to three months. It is advised to consult a physiotherapist about shin splints treatment strategies to adapt your routines to help you get back on your feet and avoid the issue from returning.
- Next, you can stop running and take a few weeks off to see the pain healing on its own. You may not need to entirely rest, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
- Besides shin splints treatment, the disease may be treated and prevented by stretching your calf, shin, and hamstring muscles regularly, as well as strengthening your glutes, core, and quads. However, it is always advised to contact a physiotherapist who can design an appropriate training program for you to help you return to your regular exercise routine and stay fit.
- Next, adding insoles or orthotics in your shoes could be a good idea, too. If your arches collapse or flatten when you stand up, shoe inserts, which may be custom-made or purchased off the market, may help you get rid of shin splints to some extent.
- Last but not the least, you can consider using anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that may aid with pain and swelling. However, on an important note, you should note that these medications might have negative effects such as increased bleeding and ulceration. Hence, visiting a doctor for medication would be a good choice. Unless your doctor tells you differently, follow the directions on the label.
Conclusion
When it comes to shin splints, there’s little you can do about it sometimes, but one big step you can take to avoid shin splints is to opt for shin splints treatment which gives you the utmost guaranteed results at the end of the day.