How to cure shin splints?

Shin splints are the bane of many athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This painful condition can make even the most basic activities daunting tasks. Fortunately, there are numerous steps you can take to cure shin splints and get back on your feet as fast as possible. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Shin Splints?

Before we dive into curing them, let’s first discuss what shin splints actually are. Essentially, shin splints refers to a pain along the front of your lower leg or shins typically caused by inflammation in this area due to overuse, impact exercises or just being generally unfit.

Symptoms of Shin Splints

There is nothing worse than self-diagnosing yourself with an illness that doesn’t exist at all! Here are some common signs that might signify that it’s time for you to tackle those shin splits head-on!

  • Pain after exercise
  • Tenderness and soreness along your inner shinbone
  • Mild swelling in your lower leg

Cheers if these sound familiar; but don’t worry—the light at the end of the tunnel starts soon!

The RICE Method

The RICE acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Follow these four steps below:

  1. Rest – Take a break from exercising or doing any activity that causes pain.
  2. Ice – Apply ice packs wrapped in towels onto affected area 4 times per day for up 15 minutes each session.
  3. Compression – Reduce any swelling by wrapping elastic compression bandages around legs
    4.Elevation : Prop up your legs using cushions above heart level whenever resting (but not when sleeping).

Follow these directions religiously without cheating until everything feels normal again!

Check Your Form Before You Wreck Your Shins!

It may be difficult to admit, but sometimes our own lackluster form could be the direct cause of shin splints. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to ensure proper body mechanics and alignment when you’re twisting, turning or putting yourself through any rigorous exercise.

Invest in a personal trainer or physiotherapist session to evaluate your form before jumping back into workout routines. Remember: it’ll hurt much more if you go ahead with poor form again!

Stretching Is Important!

This key element is often overlooked by those new to exercising. Even stretching for only five minutes pre- and post-workout goes a long way!

Here are some other things to keep in mind while getting limber:

  • Proper Technique – Don’t bounce while reaching towards toes as it could create micro tears on surrounding tissue.
  • Warm up first – Never stretch cold muscles!
  • Static stretches– Hold each stretch for around 30 seconds without bouncing.

If done correctly(not like so many people who rush through poor stretching), stretches are mega beneficial in curing shin splints altogether!

Modify Your Routine

Sometimes, simply changing the type of activity will solve all the problems associated with shin splits from which you suffer. The following types should do wonders if modified properly:

  • Switch from high impact exercises: Running is regarded as high impact as there is tremendous pressure placed on both shins whilst landing each time onto solid ground.General rule—reduce running distance/speeds/time spent walking quickly instead of running
  • Cycle instead of run/walk
  • Swimming – low impact method which provides good cardiovascular benefits

Invest In Quality Footwear & Equipment

When plagued with this condition, switching shoes can decrease negative impacts during exercises tremendously! Always endeavour to wear shoes that give adequate cushioning and support specific for activities intended (there’s no need buying basketball trainers then wearing them for cross country!). Investing clothes specifically designed for workouts such as compression socks protects calves fit snugly around the shins aiding compression in the affected areas

See a Professional

When you’ve tried doing everything and no cure seems forthcoming, it may be time to see a professional. Podiatrists specialise is feet-related issues that involve this condition.Other physicians such as physiotherapists can help with pain management or treat underlying medical conditions which lead to shin splits happening often.

Keep Up With Exercise!

Just because of shin splints, does not mean stopping exercising altogether! You’re only getting started on your journey after all.

Continue with what activities are manageable whilst taking necessary precautions regarding form,clothing,

With these tips—RICE method use,modifying routine plus comfort enhancements,—shin splints will soon haunt your fitness regimen no longer.At least we hope they don’t!

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