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What Is The Treatment For Shin Splints?
Question: What is the best treatment for shin splints? My 15 year old daughter plays basketball and she is in constant pain. I have purchased shoe inserts for her flat feet and shin guards. She wears both and still has excruciating pain.
Brief Answer:
Shin splints often heal on their own.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. I have following suggestions for her -
1. Rest -It needs time to heal.
2. Ice your shin to ease pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone.
3. Pain killer drugs, like Ibuprofen will help with pain and swelling.
4. Shoe inserts -which can be custom-made or bought off the shelf, may help with arches that collapse or flatten when you stand up. Which she is already using it.
5. Do exercises but no weight lifting.
6. Use a neoprene sleeve to support and warm the leg.
7. Go to physical therapy to identify and treat issues in her legs or running mechanics that may be causing shin splints. A therapist can also help ease the pain and guide your return to sport.
8. She should have XXXXXXX calcirol (vitamin D) 60K once a week with a glass of milk for 3 months.
The most important thing is not to rush back into sport. If she starts exercising before her shin splints have healed, she may hurt herself permanently.
Hope this helps her.
Take care
Shin splints often heal on their own.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. I have following suggestions for her -
1. Rest -It needs time to heal.
2. Ice your shin to ease pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone.
3. Pain killer drugs, like Ibuprofen will help with pain and swelling.
4. Shoe inserts -which can be custom-made or bought off the shelf, may help with arches that collapse or flatten when you stand up. Which she is already using it.
5. Do exercises but no weight lifting.
6. Use a neoprene sleeve to support and warm the leg.
7. Go to physical therapy to identify and treat issues in her legs or running mechanics that may be causing shin splints. A therapist can also help ease the pain and guide your return to sport.
8. She should have XXXXXXX calcirol (vitamin D) 60K once a week with a glass of milk for 3 months.
The most important thing is not to rush back into sport. If she starts exercising before her shin splints have healed, she may hurt herself permanently.
Hope this helps her.
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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