How to Treat Shin Splints the Right Way

A common question that many runners ask is how to treat shin splints. Shin splints are lower leg pains. This injury is common among runners. It can develop when you feel little pains on your shins. These little pains will go on and off for a while, until it becomes constant.

There are two types of shin splints. Medial shin splints refer to pain on the inside of your lower leg. And anterior shin splints refer to pain on the outside of your lower leg. Runners usually develop this injury because of the impact your lower legs have to endure while running. Every time your foot hits the ground, the impact is two to three times your weight. So just imagine how much impact ninety minutes of running has on your lower legs.

How to treat shin splints? Well, the best thing to do is to avoid them in the first place. You need to go back to the basics. First work out what causes shin splints and then you'll know how to prevent them. Let's take a look at the causes so you know how to prevent them.

Tip #1: Avoid too much mileage

Too much mileage, too much hill work, and too much running in circles can put excessive stress on your lower legs. So make sure that you ease up on your running training program, especially if you are a beginner.

Tip #2: Get the right shoes

Shoe problems can also lead to nasty shin splints. You are prone to this injury when you are an overpronator or when you have flat feet. Also, when your shoes are overused or when they are not right for your feet.

Tip #3: Do some stretching and strengthening

Strengthen your Achilles heel and calves in order to provide enough support for your shins. This way, you will avoid having shin problems in the future.

Tip #4: First Aid Treatment

When you start to feel pain on the inside or outside of your shins, immediately stop running. Apply ice on your shins to stop inflammation. After icing, stretch your calves and Achilles heel. Also try to walk on your toes and on your heels.

Remember, there is something you can do to prevent this kind of injury from happening. So keep in mind these tips on how to treat shin splints and feel more at ease on your next run.