Shin Splints
Serving the Greater San Bernardino County Area including Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Upland, CA
Shin splints, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, affect the front of the lower leg or shin. When shin splints occur, the components surrounding the shin are irritated, often as a result of being overused.
This leg-related injury is most common in runners, dancers, sports players, military recruits, and individuals with flat feet – but it can happen to anyone of any age group, including those who aren’t athletic.
Shin Splints
- What Are the Symptoms of Shin Splints?
Shin splints often involve aching pain toward the top of the shin bone and mild inflammation or swelling. You may also notice tenderness when you touch the area. Pain may also worsen during or shortly after exercise.
Mild cases of shin splints often last a few days up to a week. Moderate to severe cases, on the other hand, can last weeks to a few months. Symptoms may come and go throughout the recovery period.
- How Can Shin Splints Be Managed?
Shin splints are usually manageable. The right rest and simple care at home typically does the trick.
Consider reducing or avoiding high-impact activities, applying ice multiple times a day, which may help ease pain and inflammation, and engaging in lower leg stretches. Wearing the right shoes may also help, and your healthcare provider can advise whether over-the-counter pain relievers are right for you. Wellness services from Recovery Lab may also be a helpful part of your recovery routine.
If you don’t notice improvement or are experiencing worsening symptoms after several days or a few weeks, get in touch with a medical professional.
- Are Shin Splints Serious?
No, shin splints aren’t serious in the sense of necessitating emergency care. In fact, with proper attention and rest, most cases of shin splints resolve on their own with no further complications.
The key to managing shin splints is to take it as a sign from your body to be cautious and engage in extra rest until your condition recovers. When in doubt, speak with a medical professional, especially if you’re experiencing severe or worsening pain, prolonged recovery, or other concerning symptoms.
- Can I Still Workout with Shin Splints?
High-impact activities are not recommended when suffering from shin splints. Avoid running or jogging, jumping rope, gymnastics, dancing, aerobics, or partaking in sports involving jumping or sprinting.
“Safe” exercises to engage in while experiencing shin splints typically include swimming, cycling, yoga or Pilates, core workouts, and upper-body strength training.
If at any time an activity or workout aggravates your shin splints, take it as a sign from your body to stop. Otherwise, you could worsen your condition and prolong your recovery.
- How Can Recovery Lab’s Services Help My Shin Splints?
While we are not a medical facility, we have several all-natural wellness services that may support your routine while you manage shin splints here at Recovery Lab.
From NormaTec compression therapy, which may help move fluid through the legs and support circulation, to cryotherapy, which may help with feelings of soreness and inflammation, we have multiple options that may help you feel more comfortable while dealing with shin splints.
Call us today to book your first recovery service.
Do You Still Have Questions?
Fill out the form below and someone from our team will get back to you shortly.