1. Least Effective Exercises Slideshow
2. Dehydration Slideshow
3. First Aid Care and Pain Relief for Minor Injuries

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Shin splints facts
• What are shin splints?
• What are risk factors for shin splints?
• What are shin splints symptoms?
• What causes shin splints?
• How are shin splints diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for shin splints?
• What is the multifaceted relative rest approach?
• What is the prognosis (outlook) for shin splints?
• Can shin splints be prevented?
• Patient Comments: Shin Splints - Causes
• Patient Comments: Shin Splints - Length Symptoms Lasted
• Find a local Orthopedic Surgeon in your town
• Shin Splints Index

The following steps are part of the multifaceted approach:

• Workouts such as stationary bicycling or pool running: These will allow maintenance of cardiovascular fitness.
• Application of ice packs reduces inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve/Naprosyn), are also a central part of rehabilitation.
• A 4-inch wide Ace bandage wrapped around the region also helps reduce discomfort.
• Calf and anterior (front of) leg stretching and strengthening address the biomechanical problems discussed above and reduce pain.
• Pay careful attention to selecting the correct running shoe based upon the foot type (flexible pronator vs. rigid supinator). This is extremely important. In selected cases, shoe inserts (orthotics) may be necessary.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises are done twice a day.
• Run only when symptoms have generally resolved (often about two weeks) and with several restrictions:
1. A level and soft terrain is best.
2. Distance is limited to 50% of that tolerated preinjury.
3. Intensity (pace) is similarly cut by one-half.
4. Over a three- to six-week period, a gradual increase in distance is allowed.
5. Only then can a gradual increase in pace be attempted.