How long to shin splints take to heal?

It’s a tale as old as time – you start running or playing sports, and suddenly your shins are screaming at you. Shin splints can be a real pain in the…well, in the shins! But fear not, gentle reader. We’re here to answer that age-old question: how long do shin splints actually take to heal?

What Are Shin Splints?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of healing times, let’s make sure we know what we’re dealing with here. Simply put, shin splints are pain on the inside edge of your shinbone (tibia). They can happen from overuse or an injury to the muscle tissue surrounding your tibia (ouch).

The Not-So-Funny Parts

Shin splints are no laughing matter when they first strike. That dull ache that runs along your leg every time you take a step is enough to drive anyone crazy. On top of that, if left untreated and pushed too hard while exercising, shin splints can lead to more severe injuries like stress fractures.

Causes Of Shin Splints

You might be wondering what exactly causes these pesky pains in our legs? Well buckle up because it’s about to get scientific up in here:

  • Overstraining muscles
  • Repetitive impact exercise
  • Flat feet/overpronation
  • Running on uneven surfaces

Basically anything that puts extra strain on those muscles around your tibia could potentially cause shin splits.

Healing Time: A Timeline

Alright so now we’ve got all those scientific details outta way let’s dive straight into one burning question athletes everywhere have – just how long does it really take for shin-splint-shenanigans to heal? Unfortunately (brace yourself) there isn’t necessarily a clear-cut answer!

Everyone’s body is different and the severity of shin splints can vary, so it’s hard to give an exact timeline. But keep reading non-the-less because we’ve got some rough guidelines for you.

Mild Shin Splint Pain

So your shins are a little sore after that hike yesterday but it’s not too bad? Great news! Mild cases typically only take about 2-4 weeks to heal, with proper rest and care (which we’ll get into later!).

Moderate Shin Splint Pain

Now let’s say you’re in deeper than just the occasional throb each step. Moderate cases could take up from 3 to 6 weeks before they’re gone enough that you feel comfortable ramping back up on exercise.

But wait – what if this sounds like more than a “moderate” pain level?

Severe Shin Splint Pain

If your shins have really been taking a beatingto put it frankly, then brace yourself. Severe cases of shin splits often involve inflammation or even small fractures in the bones surrounding them (yikes). These types of injuries could mean needing closer to 12+ weeks recovery time until they’re good as new.

Rest & Recover: Taking Care Of Your Shins

Since there isn’t necessarily one set healing-time across all sleds, the best thing anyone suffering from these dumb ol’ shin splints can do? Listen our friends!

Rest Days Are Key

This is no hyperbole when I say rest days should be considered sacred in certain times…and recovering from shin splints falls under that category! Be sure gives those legs (and accompanying area) proper resting periods between workouts — especially while actively trying to heal from sprain/split areas specifically!

Ice The Sore Muscles

You know how sometimes putting ice packs / cold compresses anywhere feels just ‘right’? This is especially true with shin splints. Ice-packing the affected area for 15-20 minutes per session can help reduce that inflammation we were talking about earlier.

Give Cross Training A Try

Take it as a sign from the universe to try out something new while you’re resting away from high impact workouts! Cycling, swimming, yoga – there are so many low-to-no impact exercises options to keep you active without risking further injury.

Use The Right Gear

Don’t skimp on gear when recovering: wear proper footwear and clothing every time you exercise properly supported your shins in every step of your journeyto healing!

tl;dr:
There isn’t one clear answer to how long shin splints take to heal since everyone’s body & pain level varies.

Mild cases typically take 2-4 weeks, moderate around3 to 6 weeks.Lest forgetting severe cases having an average recovery period of 12+weeks if bone involvement or inflammation takes place. Resting as much as possible (& listening our bodies) icing injuries, maintaining low/no impact cross training and using safe/shin-supportive workout clothes and shoes will go miles toward helping us recover ASAP!

Please thou may follow this advice given by no-healthcare professionals only at thy own risk.

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