Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHome RemediesMedicationsPhysical TherapyOther Interventions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Home Remedies
Medications
Physical Therapy
Other Interventions
Treatments forshin splintsinclude home remedies, activity modification, medications, and physical therapy. In rare cases, a healthcare provider may recommend procedures such asprolotherapy(an injectable treatment) andextracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) (a noninvasive treatment) for shin splints.
This article discusses common treatments for shin splints, as well as underlying issues that can be treated to help reduce the risk of the problem becoming chronic.
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How Long Will My Shin Splints Last?
Home Remedies and Activity Modifications
Home remedies that help decrease the pain and inflammation of shin splints include:
Activity Modifications
Activity modifications are an essential part of the treatment for shin splints. This usually means you’ll need to take a temporary break from the exercise causing your symptoms—or at least change your routine.
If you’re a runner, this could mean decreasing your mileage, running on a softer surface, or alternating running with walking. You can substitute it with an alternativelower-impact exerciselike cycling or swimming.
When to See a Healthcare ProviderSee a healthcare provider if your shin splints don’t improve with home remedies and activity modifications. Shin splint symptoms can resemble more serious conditions, such astibial stress fractures(small cracks in shin bones) orexertional compartment syndrome(muscle pain in an overused area).These conditions can require more significant treatment. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may perform a fasciotomy, opening up the fascia to relieve leg pressure. Without surgery, permanent muscle damage can occur.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See a healthcare provider if your shin splints don’t improve with home remedies and activity modifications. Shin splint symptoms can resemble more serious conditions, such astibial stress fractures(small cracks in shin bones) orexertional compartment syndrome(muscle pain in an overused area).These conditions can require more significant treatment. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may perform a fasciotomy, opening up the fascia to relieve leg pressure. Without surgery, permanent muscle damage can occur.
See a healthcare provider if your shin splints don’t improve with home remedies and activity modifications. Shin splint symptoms can resemble more serious conditions, such astibial stress fractures(small cracks in shin bones) orexertional compartment syndrome(muscle pain in an overused area).
These conditions can require more significant treatment. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may perform a fasciotomy, opening up the fascia to relieve leg pressure. Without surgery, permanent muscle damage can occur.
Examples of NSAIDs include:
In some cases,prescription medicationsmight be needed.
Examples include:
Thesemodalitiescan include:
In addition to treating your symptoms, a physical therapist can also help you figure out the underlying cause of your shin splints and address issues such as:
Other Medical Interventions
Prolotherapy—injection of a sugar called dextrose—is an intervention that can potentially help decrease symptoms of shin splints.However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Shin splints can also be treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy.This procedure delivers low-energy shock waves through a probe on the skin to increase blood flow to the injured tissues.
Summary
Shin splints cause pain and inflammation in the lower leg. These symptoms can be treated with home remedies, activity modifications, medications, and physical therapy. Other medical interventions, such as prolotherapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy, might also be beneficial.
Shin splints can develop due to other problems, such as poor biomechanics, flat feet, muscle weakness or tightness, overtraining, and improper footwear. A healthcare provider, such as a physical therapist, can help determine the underlying cause of your shin splints and treat these issues to help prevent chronic problems.
10 Sources
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Kachanathu SJ, Algarni FS, Nuhmani S, Alenazi AM, Hafez AR, Algarni AD.Functional outcomes of kinesio taping versus standard orthotics in the management of shin splint.J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2018;58(11):1666-1670. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07520-X
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Padhiar N, Curtin M, Aweid O, et al.The effectiveness of prolotherapy for recalcitrant medial tibial stress syndrome: a prospective consecutive case series.J Foot Ankle Res. 2021;14:32. doi:10.1186%2Fs13047-021-00453-z
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