About this topic
Shin splints is pain at the inside edge of your shin bone or tibia. There are two muscles that attach on the inside of your shin bone. They help move your foot in all directions and keep it stable. ‚
These muscles are sometimes used too much. This may happen in people who run, jump, or do activities that have lots of starting and stopping. If this happens, the muscles, tendons, and tissue that cover the bone can get swollen and hurt. This causes shin splints. The name doctors may use is medial tibial stress syndrome. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements. Bike or swim instead to stay in shape.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Ice after activity may help decrease pain and swelling. Never ice before stretching.
- Prop your leg on pillows to help with swelling.
- Lightly wrap an ace bandage over your lower leg to help with pain and swelling.
- Use crutches, a brace, or a walking boot to take pressure off your injured legs if your doctor suggests you do this.
- Follow the doctors advice about supportive shoes, arch supports, or shoe inserts.
- Use inserts for your shoes if your feet are flat.
- Exercises. Add to your activity very SLOWLY when you get back to what caused the shin splints. Getting back too quickly can cause shin pain to come back.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces.
- Wear shoes with good support. Consider wearing arch supports if you have flat feet.
- If you are a runner, replace your shoes every 350 to 500 miles.
- Try swimming, biking, or walking instead of running to lessen the impact on your shins.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00407 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚