shin splints?

Question

I've just stared running crosscountry and i think i may have shin splints. It could be that I ran with worn shoes or that i slept wrong and i ran on my leg. The pain is very little now that i;ve been icing it. i have practice everyday and i think i'm going to rest for tommorow and talk to the coach? what should i do if i do have them?

Answer 1

With shin splints, symptoms are pain in the front of the leg, usually about midway between ankle and knee. When working out, the pain starts right away and lessens during the workout. The pain can return later in the workout or the next morning. The pain may be dull at first but can become severe enough to prevent you from working out.

If you suspect you have a shin splint but have not been formally diagnosed, it is important that you get diagnosed. The symptoms of a shin splint are the same as the symptoms for a tibia stress fracture. An xray is needed to tell the difference.
Treatment includes:
1. rest - this means avoid ANY activity that causes pain so stick to swimming or bicycling
2. ice
3. NSAIDS for pain since they also help with inflammation (ibuprofen, aleve, naproxen)
4. elevation of legs higher than heart (reduces swelling)
5. wear the proper shoes (if needed, get advice from a podiatrist or sports medicine professional)
6. wear arch supports

Once pain and swelling have subsided, resume slowly! If you think your shin splints are healed and they aren't, you will be back to square one. Also, keep in mind that a shin splint can become a stress fracture if you don't follow treatment properly.