About shin splints

What is shin splints?

Shin splints facts

  • Shin splints are a type of "overuse injury" to the legs.
  • The pain is characteristic and located on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg next to the shinbone (tibia). It can be extreme and halt workouts.
  • The diagnosis requires a careful focused examination.
  • A multifaceted approach of "relative rest" can restore a pain-free level of activity and a return to competition.
  • The relative rest approach includes a change in the workout, ice, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, possible change in footwear, and gradual increase in running activities.

What are shin splints?

Shin splints are injuries to the front of the outer leg. While the exact injury is not known, shin splints seem to result from inflammation due to injury of the soft tissues in the front of the outer leg.

Shin splints are a member of a group of injuries called overuse injuries. Shin splints occur most commonly in runners or aggressive walkers.

What are the symptoms for shin splints?

Soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg symptom was found in the shin splints condition

If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or Pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. At first, the Pain might stop when you stop exercising. Eventually, however, the Pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter Pain relievers don't ease your shin pain.

What are the causes for shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.

What are the treatments for shin splints?

Previously, two different treatment management strategies were used: total rest or a "run through it" approach. The total rest was often an unacceptable option to the athlete. The run through it approach was even worse. It often led to worsening of the injury and of the symptoms.

Currently, a multifaceted approach of relative rest is successfully utilized to restore the athlete to a pain-free level of competition.

What are the risk factors for shin splints?

You're more at risk of shin splints if:

  • You're a runner, especially one beginning a running program
  • You suddenly increase the duration, frequency or intensity of exercise
  • You run on uneven terrain, such as hills, or hard surfaces, such as concrete
  • You're in military training
  • You have flat feet or high arches

Is there a cure/medications for shin splints?

Shin splints are wounds on the outside of the leg's front. Shin splints appear to be caused by inflammation brought by damage to the soft tissues at the front of the outer leg, though the precise injury is unknown. Shin splints are included in the category of overuse injuries. The majority of people who get shin splints are runners or vigorous walkers.

Cure or Medication for shin splints

  • Shin splints often heal by themselves. You can anticipate a full physical examination if you visit a doctor.
  • They might want to watch you run so they can check for issues.
  • To check for fractures, they might also conduct X-rays or bone scans.
  • Avoid any actions that result in pain, bruising, or discomfort, but don't completely stop moving about.
  • Try low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or water running while you're recuperating.
  • For a few days, apply ice packs to the injured shin for four to eight applications of 15 to 20 minutes each.
  • The ice packs should be wrapped in a small towel to protect your skin.
  • To relieve pain, try acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.).
  • If your shin discomfort is severe or doesn't go away after a few weeks of rest, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
  • If your legs are extremely painful, red, or swollen, call your doctor. These indicators of an infection or another condition could be present.


Symptoms
Tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg
Conditions
Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your tibia
Drugs
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others),Naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)

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