Relieving the Pain of Shin Splints
Almost nothing can derail a good run like shin splints. This uncomfortable condition is characterized by a shooting pain from the front of your ankle up the front of the calf to the knee. While shin splints aren’t typically a major problem, running with shin splints can eventually cause a stress fracture in the bone. If shin splints are holding you back from reaching your physical fitness goals, here are some ways to get relief.
Ice
Ice is the natural enemy of the shin splint. Just be careful not to leave it on your body for too long, as nasty ice burns could result. If your legs are swollen, try an ice massage for fast pain relief. Just place a few cubes into a Ziploc baggie and massage the affected area slowly, remembering to never leave the ice in one spot. Five minutes of ice massage should be more than enough to relieve your pain.
Insoles
If you’re prone to shin splints, you should invest in a quality athletic shoe with a well-cushioned insole. If it’s been a while since you had your feet measured, ask the sales clerk at your shoe store to determine what size athletic shoe you should be wearing. Because shin splints are caused by excessive pounding of the feet, it’s wise to purchase a padded insole to cushion your steps.
Listening to Your Body
It’s never a good idea to run on shin splints and pushing your body through the pain will result in injuries that take a long time to heal. If you begin feeling that telltale pain in the front of your leg, it’s time to slow down your pace, or stop completely.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors know that shin splints are frequently caused by a misalignment in the hip, spine, or ankle. If you have a history of shin splints, you may want to schedule a chiropractic evaluation to assess whether or not a discrepancy in your body is causing shin splints. Your chiropractic team can evaluate and treat any physical condition that may be causing your shin splints safely and effectively.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.
