Shin splints are a regular occurrence in the small municipality of Matawan. If you ever get shin splints, you should visit a Matawan shin splints specialist.
Shin splints are stress pains coming from the front part of your shins when exercising. It is one of the most common conditions among runners.
The main cause of shin splints is putting your legs under too much pressure. Many people see a specialist because it is uncomfortable and painful.
However, you can manage the condition on your own. The following are some tips to help manage shin splints:
- Rest and Relaxation
You will often hear many people tell others to get some R&R but what they might not know is that rest and relaxation is one of the most recommended medical solutions. It is especially so with physical injuries.
If you are constantly feeling throbbing pain in the front of the leg whenever you run or work out, you should rest your legs for a few days.
After taking a break, you can become active again. You should reduce your workout intensity and frequency until your legs become stronger.
- Ice the Injury
Ice is a common solution to physical injuries. The cold helps the blood clot and reduces circulation leading to numbness and pain relief.
You should ice whenever you feel the pain in your shin. When icing an injury, place the ice on the affected area for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes, alternating.
A store-bought ice pack or some ice cubes in a plastic bag will work just fine. Make sure to wrap the ice in a thin towel so that your skin doesn’t get too cold.
- Change Your Shoes
Your shoes have a tremendous impact on the pressure your legs feel when you run. Uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes increase the pressure.
Therefore, if you want to manage shin splints, you should get better running or workout shoes. First, they should fit well but be comfortable. Secondly, they should have a thick sole. The thicker the sole, the less the impact on your legs when you are running.
Always think of shoes as shock absorbers when running. Arch support is also a great idea.
- Lower Impact Training
You may not want to lose your athletic gains and prowess while you recover from shin splints. You can choose to do exercises that have a lower impact on your legs in the meantime.
There are many aerobic exercises that do not consist of repeatedly slapping your feet on a hard surface. Such exercises include bike riding, using the elliptical machine, swimming, and rowing.
You can hence remain fit while you recover from shin splints. Once you get stronger legs, you can gradually increase the impact of your exercises.
- Stretch Your Legs
Finally, chronic pain in the front muscles of your shin are what cause shin splints. Stretching these muscles can help a great deal in reducing the pain.
It is especially important that you stretch after working out. You instantly relieve much of the pressure built up during the workout.
If you have shin splints, you should stretch your legs for at least thirty minutes a day when you are not resting.