Page 12 - Virtual Catalog for April 2021
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Diagnosing Shin Splints              pain and muscle cramps. Or you can find a
                                                                                    A diagnosis of shin splints is typically   homeopathic lotion containing arnica to
                                                                                    made after a physical exam and a review   help ease stiffness and pain. Other good
                                                                                    of medical history and symptoms. In most   ingredients to look for include capsicum,
                                                                                    instances, x-rays or other tests are not   willow bark, turmeric, and chondroitin.
                                                                                    needed. But if the pain is severe or it is
                                                                                    long-lasting, your doctor may order   Place a layer of the topical pain relief
                                                                                    imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to   lotion over the shin and allow it to dry.
                                                                                    rule out fractures or other conditions.   After a few minutes, apply a second layer
                                                                                    7 Tips to Relieve Shin Splints       if needed.
                                                                                     Usually, self-care measures are enough to   5) Apply Ice
                                                                                    reduce symptoms of shin splints. If home   Ice is helpful to decrease inflammation
                                                                                    care does not resolve symptoms in a few   and pain. Use ice for about 15 to 20
                                                                                    weeks, or if the pain becomes worse, it's   minutes, about three or four times a day.
                                                                                     helpful to see your doctor for further   To do an ice massage, fill a paper or
                                                                                    evaluation. But in most cases, the relief   Styrofoam cup with water and let it
                                                                                    tips below can improve the condition and   freeze, then rip off the top of the cup.
                                                                                    get you on your feet.                 Gently massage the ice on the shin.
                                                                                    Consider the following treatments:
                                                                                                                         6) Stretch
                                                                                     1) Limit Activities That Cause Lower  Shin stretches may help ease the pain. Ask
                                                                                     Leg Pain                            your doctor to show you specific stretches
                                                                                    Depending on how severe the pain is, it  for the shin. Be careful to avoid
                                                                                    may be necessary to stop the activity that  overstretching the area.
                                                                                    leads to the problem. If pain is mild and  7) Wear the Right Shoes
     Dealing with shin splints? It's a very   Pain can vary; it can be sharp, dull, or achy.   caused by running, reducing distance or  Wear supportive shoes for the activity you
    common injury among runners and       Symptoms include slight swelling in the   frequency may be helpful.            are doing. Orthotics may also be helpful,
    dancers. We have found 7 tips to help you   lower leg and tenderness to the touch.                                   especially for people that have flat feet.
    get relief for the pain of shin splints!                                        2) Elevate the Lower Leg
                                          Causes of Shin Splints                     Elevate the lower leg above the heart to   Preventing Shin Splints
     Shin splints involve pain in the front of the   The cause of shin splints is usually   decrease swelling. Put your leg on a few   If you are a runner or participate in other
    lower leg. The technical name for shin   excessive or repetitive force on the    pillows to keep the lower leg elevated
    splints is medial tibial stress syndrome.   muscles, tendons, or bone tissue    comfortably.                         high impact sports, it's important to do
    According to the American Academy of   surrounding the tibia. The repetitive force                                    what you can to prevent shin splints. The
     Orthopaedic Surgeons, shin splints most   leads to swelling and pressure against the   3) Compression Bandages      following things can help decrease your
    commonly develop along the inside of the   bone, causing discomfort.            Although swelling is usually mild with  risk:
    tibia bone.
                                          Although shin splints can develop at any   shin splints, if it is moderate, wrapping  1) If you are a runner, slowly increase your
     Symptoms of Shin Splints             point, they are more likely to occur when   the shin with a compression bandage may  distance, intensity, and frequency.
    The main symptom of shin splints is pain in   beginning a new activity or increasing the   help. A compression wrap may also
    the front of the lower leg between the   frequency of activity. For instance, runners   provide support and make activities more  2) When recovering from shin splints, do
    knee and foot. Pain may vary significantly   tend to deal with shin splints after   comfortable. Just be careful not to wrap  not resume your running or the activity
    in severity. In some instances, shin splints   increasing their frequency or distance, or   the bandage too tightly.  that led to the problem until you are
    are severe enough to interfere with   running on uneven terrain or hills.                                            pain-free for two weeks.
    everyday activities.                  A few additional factors may also increase   4) Apply a Pain Relief Lotion      3) Cross-train to avoid repetitive injuries
     Certain activities, such as running or   your risk, including:                  Medication to ease shin splint pain, such  from doing the same activity or exercise.
     jumping, might make the pain worse.                                            as pain pills, can lead to unwanted side
     Some people experience severe pain when   • Flat feet                          effects. A topical pain relief lotion is a  4) Know your limits. Avoid doing too
    they first get up in the morning.     • Wearing improper athletic shoes         great alternative to decrease discomfort.  much. If you start to get shin pain, listen
                                          • Using improper running form             Select a lotion containing menthol to ease  to your body and cut back on activity.
                                          • High arches




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