How To Get Rid Of A Shin Splint

Learn how to get rid of a shin splint so you can walk, jog and run without any pain or chance of further injuring yourself. Many people will say you should just exercise through the pain, but if you listen to them, you will be making a big mistake. Shin splints can lead to stress fractures and pain from a stress fractures are much worse than a simple shin splint and takes much longer to heal as well.

Things you'll need:

• Ice pack or frozen water in Styrofoam cup

1. To get rid of your shin splint, you will need to rest and take it easy. The more rest you get, the quicker your shin splint will heal. However, if you feel you must exercise, you should at least exercise less than you normally would. If you overwork your shin splint, it will eventually develop into a much more painful stress fracture.
2. Shin splints should be iced for about fifteen to twenty minutes every day. The best way to do this is to fill a small Styrofoam cup about half way with water and put it in the freezer until the water is completely frozen. Cut the bottom of the cup until the ice is sticking out from the bottom of the cup and hold the Styrofoam while rubbing the ice up and down the shin. This will keep your hands warm while you ice your shin.
3. To get rid of shin splints and prevent them in the future, you should exercise on softer surfaces. Try running on a high school track or the grass. These softer surfaces will be much less damaging to your shins and joints.
4. See a doctor if your shin splints are still bothering you after icing it for a couple of weeks. You may actually have a stress fracture and will need a doctor to take a look at it. Most people need to wear a splint and use crutches when they have stress fractures. Stress fractures are much more painful and take much longer to heal, so avoid them at all costs.