How To Treat Shin Splints

There's a real good chance that some time in our lives as runners, we may all encounter shin splints.

So lets find out how to treat shin splints and get rid of this annoying pain that seems to radiate up our shins causing excruciating pain practically to our knees.

Shin splints are very common with runners of all ages and all will agree that it is also very annoying and painful. They are great ways to help eliminate shin splints however and following a good recovery plan can bring much needed relief.

The first thing you'll want to do is to rest your legs for a while and abstain from all running and cease from all exercise. You'll need to rest your shins so they can fully recover from the strain they have just encountered. Most runners won't like abstaining from their daily running, but if you continue to run you'll most likely have the same shin splints episode in another week or two and have to encounter the same pain all over again. Let your body heal for a couple of weeks.

After you stop running and exercising you'll want to apply ice to the leg once a day for about 20 minutes if this is possible. A cold ice application treatment will help reduce inflammation and this will aid in the healing of your leg. If you are only able to apply ice three times a week that will also help in the healing process, so do the best you can and relax while your leg heals.

After your leg has had a chance to recuperate, you'll want to start exercising your shins 3 times a week with a 20 minute workout session to strengthen your shins. The first exercise is an easy one and it is very beneficial in the restrengthening of your tendons and strained ligaments. Simply sit or stand and stretch one of your feet in front of you. Lift the toes up leaving the heel of your foot on the floor. You can repeat this exercise at least twenty times then switch to your other foot.

Leg raises from a lying position work well as a good shin exercise and lifting up on your toes from a standing position also helps to strengthen your shins. Be very careful and start out gently. Following these helpful tips will get you back on the track and back in your running before you know it.