Shin splints affect more than 3 million Americans each year. This condition causes a pain in the lower leg because of overuse of the shinbone (tibia) and the surrounding muscle and tissue. Although shin splints can be very painful, they can usually be treated at home and will improve within a few days. Here are some of the most recommended treatments for shin splints.
Rest
Unlike some leg pains that recover faster with physical activity, shin splints require rest in order to heal. Engaging in physical activity while experiencing shin splint pain could lead to minute cracks in the bones of the leg. These cracks are able to heal on their own, but only if you give your body time to rest. If the body is not able to rest, however, these tiny cracks can result in complete fractures, which will take much longer to recover from.
Ice
Icing the affected area can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain even faster. Wrap ice packs in a thin towel and apply to the affected shin or shins for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times per day, for several days.
Compression
Wearing elastic compression bandages can also help reduce swelling and pain in the shin. When used in conjunction with the other treatment methods, compression can help you recover from shin splints and get back on your feet even sooner.
Elevation
Raising your leg above your heart can also help reduce swelling, especially while applying ice at the same time. This will keep you off of your feet and allow you to rest more efficiently.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Anti-inflammatory medications can also help with reducing the pain of shin splints. Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are all good medications for relieving pain related to swelling and inflammation. If these medications are not strong enough to reduce the pain, your doctor may prescribe higher-strength NSAID medications.
Surgery
Shin splints rarely require any additional treatment outside of self-care at home, but sometimes if the condition gets too bad, surgery is required to repair the damage. For example, if your shin splints involve compartment syndrome and the pain is very severe, then surgery to open the fascia might be performed. This is the thick tissue that surrounds the muscle groups in your lower leg. Additionally, if your muscle has been torn away from your shin bone, you will need surgery in order to reattach the muscle.
Resuming exercise
The pain and discomfort from shin splints will usually resolve within a few hours or a few days at the most. However, the recommended amount of down time you should allow yourself to fully recover from the damage of shin splints is two weeks. As long as it doesn’t cause you any pain in your shins, you can take this time to engage in other sports or activities that are less likely to cause damage to your shins. This could include swimming, walking, or bicycling.
