Fitness & Exercise

Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome)

When Will My Shin Splints Feel Better?

There's no way to say exactly when your shin splints will go away. It depends on what's causing them. People also heal at different rates -- three to six months is not unusual.

The most important thing is not to rush back into your sport. If you start exercising before your shin splints have healed, you may hurt yourself permanently.

While you heal, you could take up a new non-impact activity that won't aggravate your shin splints. For instance, runners might try swimming.

Your shin splints are fully healed when:
 

• Your injured leg is as flexible as your other leg
• Your injured leg feels as strong as your other leg
• Your can jog, sprint, and jump without pain
• Your X-rays are normal or show any stress fractures have healed

How Can I Prevent Shin Splints?

To prevent shin splints, you should:

• Always wear shoes with good support and padding.
• Warm up before working out, making sure to stretch the muscles in your legs.
• Stop working out as soon as you feel pain in your shins.
• Don't run or play on hard surfaces like concrete.