Do you have to wear anything for shin splints?

Answer 1

Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes.

To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/