(HealthDayNews) -- Shin splints are usually caused by inflammation or injury to the shin muscles. The predominant symptom is a sharp, searing type of pain along the bone of your lower leg.
The Calgary Health Region of Canada offers these self-care tips:
- Rest the affected leg as much as possible.
- Substitute non-weight bearing exercises, such as swimming, for your usual workout until the pain has gone.
- Do daily calf muscle and Achilles tendon stretches but avoid stretching the shin muscles.
- Apply ice to the inflamed area.
- Wrap your lower leg with a tensor bandage to provide support.
- Elevate the lower leg above the level of your heart as often as possible.
The pain from shin splints can last from several days to a week, but may become chronic if you don't allow enough time for your leg to heal.