Diagnosis
Shin splints most often are diagnosed based on medical history and a physical exam. Sometimes, an X-ray or other imaging studies can point to other causes for the pain, such as a stress fracture.
Treatment
Most often, you can treat shin splints with simple self-care steps:
- Rest. Don't do activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don't stop moving. While you're healing, try low-impact exercises, such as swimming, bicycling or water running.
- Ice. Apply ice packs to the affected shin for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day for several days. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel.
- Take a pain reliever you can get without a prescription. Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to reduce pain.
Go back to your usual activities little by little after your pain is gone.