How to Get Rid of Shin Splints - Pain in Your Leg Muscles After Running

Athletes, especially runners are usually the fall guys when it comes to shin splints pain. If you are a person who plays excessive sport, its best that you brace yourself and your muscles for some bad news. Shin splints are always accidents waiting to happen. But when you suffer this trauma and pain the question is, what should you do next and what are the fastest ways to get rid of them? Before, we delve into all that; let's take a refresher course about this condition, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome.

What are they and why are they causing people so much pain?

MTSS is a complication that arises from the lower leg area which can also cause tendonitis, irritants to the nerves and in extreme cases fractures if they are not treated properly. The reason why these problems are common in athletes is because they are caused by an overworking of the muscles. When your muscles are excessively put to work, it can lead to damages to the tibia bones. And an inflamed shin bone causes shin splints.

How to Get Rid of Shin Splints?

So when you writhe from serious shin pain, what help is available to start healing the ailment and eventually get rid of it? Here are 3 simple treatment steps that will help.

Not Too Fast

In the first place, shin splints occur because you try to do too much too quickly. Most athletes who fall behind in their schedules try to catch up by doubling their training. This is a main reason for shin splints as it often backfires, leading to an aggravation of the lower leg muscles. Take things easy. Never stretch yourself beyond your body limits.

If you have a personal trainer, follow his/her advice accordingly. If you have already being injured, go through light workouts only. You can start light running in 3-4 days on lush surfaces only.

Get rid of those Shoes

If you have been using your running shoes for 3 months, they have to go. Sometimes, people get shin splints because they stick to worn out shoes that are screaming to be replaced. Select a nice pair that fits well, extremely comfy and designed for the intended purpose.

Don't run on uneven ground, run in parks or use dirt trails by all means but stick to well-maintained paths, against popular opinion, running on pavements is not a good idea. You are causing unnecessary damage to your legs every time you swap a hard surface for a soft one so avoid doing this also.

Cooling your hot shins with an ice pack

When the day arrives that you experience this painful condition, simply apply an ice pack to the affected area of your tibia for some natural pain relief. Do this regularly for the next 2-3 days to a week. Ensure that you keep your feet raised and adhere to the R.I.C.E. rule (rest, icing, compress and elevation). You should also see your doctor for advice if symptoms continue. 

Avoid getting lazy and choose not to inhabit your sofa during this relaxing period. You can still do some light exercises and minimal jogging, just take things easy if you want to heal properly.

If you are in constant pain with your leg muscles due to shin splints then visit our website for important information about how to get rid of shinsplints on a permanent basis.