What is the best way to treat shin splints?
Time off of high impact exercise for a couple of weaks, foam rolling, and be sure to get good restful sleep so your body can repair itself. Also, be certain its shin splints you are dealing with and not stress fractures. Pinpoint pain could be a tell tale of stress fractures. If so, then RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Philip great comment and insight.
Thought, I might share this info I found in the Fifth edition of the “Fitness Professional’s Handbook” as far as the treatment of shin splints are concerned:
1. If you have any callus on your feet “keep them filed down.”
2. Wear a metatarsal arch pad.
3. Conduct strengthening exercises for toe flexors.
4. Wear longitudinal arch tape for support.
5. Conduct strengthening exercises for the dorsiflexors and inverters.
6. Exercise to increase ROM
7. Avoid hard surfaces
8. Avoid changing from one surface to another.
9. Select a show that absorbs shock well; be sure that your shoe fits properly.
10. Be flexible about changing the training program if there are signs that a great deal of physical stress is occurring. Encourage year-round conditioning.
11. Always warm up properly.
12. Refer to podiatrist or other professional specializing in foot care; orthotics may be indicated.
13. Design a special training program to allow for individual differences (e.g., increase intensity of workouts and reduce duration.)
14. Correct technique.
15. Perform specific stretching or strengthening exercises as well as technique work.
16. Use common sense when training in cold or foul weather.
17. Dress properly to maintain warmth.
18. Warm up and cool down properly.
Thanks so much for your question.
