Shin Splints
Shin splints is a painful condition that is felt on the bone located in the front of the lower leg (tibia or shin bone) or in the muscles on either side of the bone. This condition happens when physical activities, such as sports or other demanding exercise, lead to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and the thin layer that covers the shin bone.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Overuse of muscles.
• Repetitive activities.
• Flat feet or rigid arches.
Activities that could contribute to shin splints include:
• A sudden increase in exercise time.
• Starting a new, demanding activity.
• Running up hills or long distances.
• Playing sports with sudden starts and stops.
• A poor warm-up.
• Wearing old or …show more content…
The health care provider may observe you as you walk or run. You may also have X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out other problems that could cause lower leg pain, such as a stress fracture.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition may depend on your age, history, health, and how bad the pain is. Most cases of shin splints can be managed by one or more of the following:
• Resting.
• Reducing the length and intensity of your exercise.
• Stopping the activity that causes shin pain.
• Taking medicines to control the inflammation.
• Icing, massaging, stretching, and strengthening the affected area.
• Getting shoes with rigid heels, shock absorption, and a good arch support.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Apply ice to the injured area:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Return to activity gradually as directed by your health care provider.
• Restart your exercise sessions with non-weight-bearing exercises, such as cycling or
Shin splints is a painful condition that is felt on the bone located in the front of the lower leg (tibia or shin bone) or in the muscles on either side of the bone. This condition happens when physical activities, such as sports or other demanding exercise, lead to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and the thin layer that covers the shin bone.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Overuse of muscles.
• Repetitive activities.
• Flat feet or rigid arches.
Activities that could contribute to shin splints include:
• A sudden increase in exercise time.
• Starting a new, demanding activity.
• Running up hills or long distances.
• Playing sports with sudden starts and stops.
• A poor warm-up.
• Wearing old or …show more content…
The health care provider may observe you as you walk or run. You may also have X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out other problems that could cause lower leg pain, such as a stress fracture.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition may depend on your age, history, health, and how bad the pain is. Most cases of shin splints can be managed by one or more of the following:
• Resting.
• Reducing the length and intensity of your exercise.
• Stopping the activity that causes shin pain.
• Taking medicines to control the inflammation.
• Icing, massaging, stretching, and strengthening the affected area.
• Getting shoes with rigid heels, shock absorption, and a good arch support.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Apply ice to the injured area:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Return to activity gradually as directed by your health care provider.
• Restart your exercise sessions with non-weight-bearing exercises, such as cycling or