.Anyone who has felt the agony of shin splints knows that a high priority is to find effective shin splints treatment. This is especially true for those who are runners or athletes of some sport because it can be very frustrating to have to stop training for a race or other event in order to heal. Sometimes shin splints can be minor and heal in a few days, but some are major and require medical attention. It is very important to cease strenuous workouts in the onset of shin splints so that further damage to the bones and muscles does not occur.
Causes of Shin Splints
Shin splints are caused when the muscles attached to the bones in the lower leg become strained and pull on the bones. They occur most commonly because of the shock of landing repetitively on hard surfaces or from wearing shoes that are too old or do not fit well. These pains are also the result of too much strenuous exercise after a long break from workouts. Shin splints treatment can help, and often completely restore shin muscles.
Treatment through Prevention
Most instances of shin splints are preventable, and shin splints treatment is much less costly when it is a preventative shin splints treatment because these treatments cost nothing but a little extra time and planning ahead before workouts.
- Stretching
This is a must for any muscle group, but before going on a run or a strenuous hike, stretching your lower leg muscles will help them be more pliable so that they will not be strained as easily. This preventative shin splints treatment will prevent them from pulling on those lower leg bones.
One effective stretch is to rest the toes of the right foot on the top of a curb and lean into the curb with your leg, counting to 20. Do this with the other leg, and then repeat. Stretching is an important preventative shin splints treatment because it allows the muscles to work better for longer.
- Wearing proper footwear
When a runner or walker wears shoes that either does not fit or are worn, the risk for shin splints increases because there is not enough padding to absorb the impact of the leg landing on the ground. Avoid the allure of cheap shoes, because they often do not last.
When shopping for new shoes, try visiting a runner’s specialty store. You will be able to try on shoes there manufactured by trusted companies. While trying on shoes, have the associate watch your gait as you walk. The associate should be able to help you choose the correct shoes based on your needs.
- Conditioning
Several preventative shin splints treatment conditioning exercises can help strengthen your lower leg muscles so that shin splints do not occur as easily. Complimenting your regular running or walking routine with these exercises is a great preventative shin splints treatment. One such exercise is to stand upright, lifting your heels slowly. Do this as many times as you can, and for more resistance, you can stand on a curb with your heels hanging off the curb.
R.I.C.E Method
Preventative shin splints treatment is, of course, the easiest method because it is easy to treat shins that are not yet in pain. However, when shin splints treatment for the actual injury is needed, there are several steps to help you heal. The following is called the R.I.C.E. method, which includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Rest
As obvious as this step sounds, it takes discipline to rest in our busy lives. However, it is necessary in order for shin splints treatment to really work. Depending on the severity of the shin splints and duration of shin splints treatment needed, it may be advisable to take time off from work or other activities during shin splints treatment so that the shin splints can have time to heal. Shin splints treatment requires patience because it can take a considerable amount of time to recover.
- Ice
Ice is a shin splints sufferer’s best friend because it numbs the pain. Shin splints treatment takes time and it is painful, and ice can alleviate a lot of the agony. It also helps swelling go down. Reusable ice packs can be purchased that have gel in them, and they are highly effective for shin splints treatment. When the gel is frozen, it acts as ice but does not melt away. Simply refreeze the gel pack after each use, and make sure to have some handy that are frozen for when you need them most for shin splints treatment.
- Compression
Shin splints treatment also includes compression, which involves wrapping the lower leg. Counter pressure is a great pain reliever during the shin splints treatment process and can be very soothing. Special leg wraps can be purchased that can be used to relieve pain and protect the leg during shin splints treatment.
- Elevation
The elevation is important during shin splints treatment so that blood flows properly to the legs. This shin splints treatment is also effective because it keeps unnecessary weight off of the affected legs. While elevating the leg and resting, take the opportunity to read about preventative shin splints treatment. So that you are better prepared to protect yourself next time.
Results of Shin Splints Treatment
Shin splints treatment takes time, but with care and rest, the shins should heal nicely. If the R.I.C.E. shin splints treatment is not working after 2-3 full days, consult your physician. Medical professionals have the ability to perform advanced Shin Splints Treatment. It is highly effective if the injury is too severe to be remedied completely by the R.I.C.E. Shin splints treatment.
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