There is certainly more than one treatment for shin splints However, determining if the pain that is currently being experienced is the result of shin splints, or another malady entirely can be frustrating.

The symptoms of shin splints will typically include a sharp pain radiating from the ankle to nearly the knee cap is a common sign. The area on either side of the shin may be tender, and some patients have reported a very slight swelling of the affected area. Once a person has experienced shin splints, he or she is likely to experience them again.

The muscles that control the up and down movement of the foot need to be properly balanced, and when that doesn't happen, the result can easily be shin splints. These painful annoyances are commonly the result of overstriding, or even wearing new shoes with a different type of heel. Once the diagnosis of shin splints has been confirmed, most people want to know how to make them go away.

When it starts to hurt, particularly if this has been experienced before, one should stop what they are doing immediately. If ceasing the activity is not a possibility, slowing down or taking a break could relieve some of the symptoms. It is not a good idea to continue the movements, as shin splints can quickly develop into a more painful and more serious diagnosis of stress fractures. While resting, applying ice topically helps most people, as does tape or an elastic bandage. The basic premise is that by not allowing the muscles to move, pain can be eliminated or reduced.

Unless a person has been asked not to by a medical professional, the use of an over the counter pain reliever is a popular choice for the treatment of shin splints. The pain associated with shin splints typically respond well to either aspirin or ibuprofen. When ready to resume activity, choosing the right shoes with an appropriate insole and a supportive base should help. When you are able to begin running again, ignoring the hills in favor of a flat surface should reduce the chance of reoccurance. That flat surface should ideally be a cushioned surface such as the natural ground, as opposed to concrete. As a final option, some people who have experienced this painful malady have reported success through the use of massage. Whatever treatment for shin splints that is sought, most people eventually rid themselves of the pain.