How to Relieve Shin Splints Pain in Just 15 Minutes

The possibility of getting rid of shin splints pain in as short a time as fifteen minutes may seem improbable to most people, and understandably so, especially if you are a long time sufferer, but the two techniques outlined below, when used as directed, are extremely effective in doing just that!

These techniques are so effective, dare I say powerful, at providing pain relief for shin splints that not only do they provide quick pain relief but it will be lasting too because your shin splints pain will be gone the following morning, this is especially true after using just the second technique.

If you have ever suffered with shin splints pain before it is likely that you have probably used ice to treat the pain and reduce any swelling. However, the effect of using ice as a treatment for pain can be greatly improved upon rather than just simply using it as a cold compress.

The icing techniques outlined in this article are the two most powerful and effective ways to use ice to eliminate pain and inflammation in the shortest time possible that I have used.

It should be noted that before you use either of these techniques that when applying ice directly onto your skin there is the possibility of causing ice burns so be careful. Only ever apply ice for as long as it is comfortable to do so, do not try to push yourself beyond pain barriers when there is no need to.

Discomfort is, unfortunately, unavoidable due to the pain of your injury combined with the application of ice, but when the discomfort shifts from deep inside your shins to the surface of your skin then you need to remove the ice right away.

Icing Technique 1: The Ice Massage

An ice massage is far more beneficial than regular icing methods because it penetrates much deeper into the muscles and tendons of the lower leg and also increases blood flow as does a normal massage. An ice massage will also decrease swelling quickly and any scarred tissue that exists because of shin splints injury will be greatly diminished.

The Best Way to Perform an Effective Ice Massage:

1. Fill a paper cup up to about half an inch (1 cm) with water and place in the freezer until frozen.
2. Once the water has frozen, take the cup and remove enough of the top of the cup so that an inch or so of ice is showing.
3. Massage the painful area of your shins up and down and from one side to the other with the ice cup and apply as much pressure as is comfortable whilst doing so, remembering never to hold the ice in the same spot for longer than necessary.
4. Don't spend an excessively long time ice massaging in fact 5 minutes of massaging should be ample.
5. Repeat three times a day in persistent cases.

Icing Technique 2: Taking an Ice Dip!

Of these two icing techniques this one is the most effective and definitely provides the quickest and best method of pain relief.

1. You will need either a big bag of ice or several PLASTIC bottles of frozen water, remember... if you are using frozen bottles of water only three-quarter fill them or you will find that they will split when the water expands when freezing. Half fill a tub with cold water and then place your ice or ice bottles into it.
2. Once your water is icy cold dip your legs into it. The water needs to be deep enough to cover your lower legs so adjust the level accordingly.
3. Keep your legs immersed for 10 seconds. Note: If you feel you can keep your legs immersed for longer than 10 seconds then the water isn't cold enough!
4. After you have dried your legs walk around a little to get the blood circulating and your muscles working and then after five minutes repeat the whole process three or four times.

Both of these techniques are very effective in quickly relieving shin splints pain but you must remember that the pain you are experiencing is only a symptom of an underlying problem and not the problem itself.

Treating your shin splints using the techniques outlined may give excellent pain relief but it will only be temporary, and unless you directly treat the underlying causes of your shin splints the pain will continue to come back again... and again!

If you often suffer from shin splints and would like more information on how to treat the underlying causes and how best to cope with the pain then visit How to Get Rid of Shin Splints where you will also find very useful information about the best shin splints stretches to help you avoid getting shin splints in the first place or at least minimize the number of times you are struck down by them.