Ask the Personal Trainer

Joni Hyde is a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of WorkoutsForWomen.com

Q. Whenever I go running I get shin splints. What can I do to prevent them or make the go away quicker? - Rebecca H.

A. Shin splints are discomfort felt in the lower leg due to inflammation of either the tendons, muscles or bone covering. The pain usually worsens with exercise using the legs. This condition is usually due to an imbalance of the calf muscles and the shin muscles.

Stop doing any exercises that hurt until you can resume the activity without pain. If you have this pain when walking do not try to run. Treat the painful area with ice massages 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a day and before workouts. Apply heat instead of ice when it starts to feel better.

Of course prevention is the best option. Avoid walking, jogging or running on hard and uneven surfaces. Use soft surfaces such as dirt or grass for those activities. Warm up adequately before exercise. Keep your shins warm during exercise by wearing long socks and wear well-fitting shoes with good arch support during exercise.

Complete cure usually requires rest and slow rehabilitation and may take 2 weeks to 2 months.

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