If you’re suffering from a shin splint, there is no overt cause for concern as a shin split is rarely serious. It tends to go away without serious medications after a while. Just the same, there are several things you can do to get rid of it faster.

Get some rest, but don’t be inactive. Stop any activity that may exacerbate the pain or swelling. However, resting does not mean you stop moving the legs altogether. It is still important that you keep them mobile and supple. Engage in low-impact exercise like light jogging or walking. If the pain becomes too intense even with these, consider using walking aids like crutches until you can do so without their help.

Apply some cold compress on the affected part. Ice packs help in easing the pain and inflammation by decreasing blood flow on the area. Apply the compress for 15 to 20 minutes four or five times a day, for several days or until the pain and swelling has gone down. Be sure to protect your skin by putting a cloth between it and the ice compress.

Heat and massage will help get rid of the shin splint quicker. After the pain and inflammation have gone down, a regimen of moist heat and massage will help to speed up the healing process of the affected muscles. The heat will promote circulation and deep tissue massage works to keep your muscles and tissues supple and working.

Elevate the legs. Elevating the legs above heart level, especially at night, can help reduce the swelling. An elastic bandage or compression sleeve applied on the affected part is also recommended. If pain or numbness occurs, loosen the wrap.

Take anti-inflammatory medications. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammataory drugs like Ibuprofen help to reduce the pain and the inflammation of your shin splints. They are especially useful in controlling pain if you plan on doing low-level exercises while waiting for your shin splint to heal. However, if you have other problems like kidney or gastrointestinal diseases, be sure to consult with your physician first before taking any form of medication. After all, you do not want another pain on top of the one on your legs.

Do some stretching and muscle conditioning before any activity. If you subject your muscles to immediate exertion and stress without warm-ups and stretching, you run the risk of worsening your shin splint problem. Proper stretching will prepare your muscles for any long-term activity, keeping it loose and ready. Proper stretching of the injured muscle can also help in the healing process.

Wear proper footwear. The proper shoes can help your foot in absorbing shocks and stress your legs are subjected to every time you jog or engage in any activity. Your physician can recommend you the best show that is suited for your type of sport, your particular foot type, as well as your stride, helping you in your recovery and future prevention of shin splint flare-ups.

Proper training and exercise will go a long way to condition and stretch your leg muscles so they will be able to better accommodate any form of stress you subject them to. Increasing their dynamic flexibility will keep your muscles in top shape. As always, know your limits and do not over-exert yourself. These tips will ensure that you won’t have to limp your way through shin split at all.

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