What can the athlete do about shin splints?
• Rest to allow the injury to heal. • Apply ice or cold therapy in the early stages, particularly when it is very painful. Cold therapy reduces pain and inflammation. • Stretch the muscles of the lower leg. In particular the tibialis posterior is associated with shin splints. • Wear shock absorbing insoles in shoes. This helps reduce the shock on the lower leg. • Maintain fitness with other non weight bearing exercises such as swimming, cycling or running in water. • Apply heat and use a heat retainer or shin and calf support after the initial acute stage and particularly before training. This can provide support and compression to the lower leg helping to reduce the strain on the muscles. It will also retain the natural heat which causes blood vessels to dilate and increases the flow of blood to the tissues. • Visit a sports injury clinic for treatment and rehabilitation. What can a sports injury clinic or doctor do? • Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen. (Always con
