Following a typical protocol for the treatment of shin splints will get you through the rough patches. Shin splints are caused for any number of reasons simply because they don't refer to a single medical condition but rather are symptomatic of different underlying problems. The primary reason for shin splints is excessive force on the shin which can be exacerbated by worn or swollen muscles, participation in sports that have a lot of stopping or starting, inappropriate footwear and even small stress fractures of the bone to name just a few. Perhaps the largest group of people who are susceptible to shin splints are runners especially those who suddenly shift into a more intense routine or who change the running surfaces of their normal routes.

Even though the appearance of shin splints can't be pinned down to a single cause, the pain that accompanies the condition is localized and specific. It typically reveals itself as a dull aching pain along the front of the lower leg. Sometimes, it becomes noticeable just after the cessation of exercise. It can also exhibit itself as shooting pain that goes from your ankle to your knee. If any of these symptoms show up, you're more than likely suffering the effects of shin splints.

To properly diagnose shin splints it's a good idea to visit a health professional who will perform a thorough physical examination and a complete set of X-rays or bone scans to search for any possible fractures. If you do have tiny bone fractures, they won't go away on their own and will more than likely only get worse without proper care.

So what's the treatment for shin splints? At the first signs of the kind of pain described above, take some weight off your feet. If you're totally dedicated to your jogging or running schedule you can still relieve the pressure around your shin area by switching to exercises that don't apply pressure to your shins like swimming or even stationary cycling. Most sports injuries are attended to with the administration of ice and shin splints are no different. It's a reliable treatment for combating swelling. You may also want to stop the movement of the muscles in the lower leg by wrapping the shin in a tight fitting bandage or sleeve.

It might take a couple of weeks to recover but take care to start back gradually or recovery could take a lot longer and remember to try to avoid conditions that brought on the shin splints in the first place. If you run then avoid hard uneven surfaces and start out slowly, gradually working up to the intensity and duration of your previous level of activity. Cut out hills and terrain with abrupt surface changes along the way. Inspect the shoes you run in to make sure that they're appropriate and not contributing to the problem. The best treatment for all muscle injuries is to begin by taking precautions to avoid them. Having to endure unnecessary torment from injuries like shin splints or pulled quads or any other type of strained muscle is something that you can by pass with planning.

Learn more info about this matter by clicking treatment for shin splints and don't forget to also check Sprained Ankle.