Shin Splints
Key points
- Shin splints are usually caused by inflammation or injury to the shin muscles.
- The pain from shin splints can last from several days to a week, but may become chronic if you don't allow enough time for your leg to heal.
- The predominant symptom is a sharp, searing type of pain along the bone of your lower leg.
Shin splints are usually caused by inflammation or injury to the shin muscles. The predominant symptom is a sharp, searing type of pain along the bone of your lower leg.
The Calgary Health Region of Canada offers these self-care tips:
* Rest the affected leg as much as possible.
* Substitute non-weight bearing exercises, such as swimming, for your usual workout until the pain has gone.
* Do daily calf muscle and Achilles tendon stretches but avoid stretching the shin muscles.
* Apply ice to the inflamed area.
* Wrap your lower leg with a tensor bandage to provide support.
* Elevate the lower leg above the level of your heart as often as possible.
The pain from shin splints can last from several days to a week, but may become chronic if you don't allow enough time for your leg to heal.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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