How long does a shin splint take to heal?

Know that shin splints can take 3 to 6 months to heal. Do not rush back into your sport or exercise. You could injure yourself again.

What are the symptoms of shin splint injury?

Symptoms of shin splints

• a dull ache in the front part of the lower leg.
• pain that develops during exercise.
• pain on either side of the shin bone.
• muscle pain.
• pain along the inner part of the lower leg.
• tenderness or soreness along the inner part of the lower leg.
• swelling in the lower leg (usually mild, if present)

How do you relieve shin splint pain?

Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) method

1. Rest. Rest from all activities that cause you pain, swelling, or discomfort.
2. Ice. Place ice packs on your shins for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
3. Compression. Try wearing a calf compression sleeve to help reduce inflammation around your shins.
4. Elevation.

How do you know if you have a hairline fracture in your shin?

Pain in response to pressure is often the key for your doctor to diagnose a hairline fracture. MRI: The best imaging test for determining hairline fractures is an MRI. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide images of your bones. An MRI will determine a fracture before an X-ray can.

Can you fracture your shin and still walk?

In fact, some people may even be able to walk on a fractured leg depending on where their injury is. 1 While all fractures cause pain, there are other signs to look out for that may indicate that a bone is broken.

Does ibuprofen help shin splints?

People with shin splints may also safely take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to quell pain. It may also be useful to invest in inserts, kinesiology tape, compression socks, or a foam roller, says Dr. Carter.

Is ibuprofen good for shin splints?

Is walking OK for shin splints?

One simple technique for preventing shin splints is heel walking. It’s a quick and effective way to strengthen the muscles on the front of your shin—a hard-to-strengthen area—and you can do it anywhere.

How do you tell if a shin bone is fractured or bruised?

there may be swelling, bruising or tenderness around the injured area. you may feel pain when you put weight on the injury, touch it, press it, or move it. the injured part may look deformed – in severe breaks, the broken bone may be poking through the skin.