Relief for aching shins
BY TRESA ERICKSON

Have you recently taken up jogging or an activity involving a lot of running? Are you experiencing any pain in the front of your lower legs? Has it become so intense at times that you are considering giving up the activity? Don't. See your doctor instead. You may be suffering from periostitis, or shin splints.

Shin splints are common in runners and athletes who engage in sports with frequent stops and starts. They occur when undue stress is placed on the shinbone and connective tissues. Symptoms include shin tenderness, lower leg pain, redness and swelling. Any pain experienced will usually subside when the activity is stopped. Over time, however, the pain may become continuous.

There are a number of options for dealing with shin splints. An individual can try resting, icing and elevating the area. They may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If none of this helps, the individual may need to consult a sports injury clinic. Doctors there will first examine the area to make sure the individual is not suffering from tiny stress fractures. Depending upon what they find out, they may tape the individual's ankles for support and prescribe medication or massage therapy. They may also analyze the individual's running style and suggest improvements. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Once an individual has dealt with shin splints, they will want to prevent them from recurring. To do this, the individual should wear proper running shoes with shock-absorbing insoles. They should use arch, shin and calf supports as needed and work out with weights to strengthen their shins. They should take the time to warm up and cool down during activities and train in moderation.