So your shins hurt after a run? After tennis? Or maybe after dancing?
Signs & Symptoms of shin splints include: tenderness at shins, pain when lifting foot up, possible swelling, and aching.
Maybe you changed your workout intensity suddenly? Maybe you changed the surface you are running on? Maybe your tennis shoes are worn down?
Well guess what…
The best treatment is to simply REST.
Ice your legs. And rest. Yes, that means stop running. I know that is tough to hear, but it is what your body needs.
Try swapping out running for something lower impact like swimming or biking.
Stretch your calves, achilles, and anterior tibialis- 30 seconds each! (see picture below)
Consider getting new shoes with more stability or arch support, if needed.
Then when you feel better, consider running on surfaces besides concrete. Perform a proper active warm-up and stretch afterwards. And don’t forget to take it sloooooow. Baby steps and slow progressions.
If things don’t get better with rest, see a Dr. They may want to rule out fractures or compartment syndrome.
