Suggest Treatment For A Shin Splint In The Right Shin Along With Swelling

Posted on Sat, 31 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 Answered on

Thu, 25 May 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello I struggle with what appears to be a shin splint on my right shin. It has caused a small swelling lump for a good 3 weeks now and it seems to get worse in the evening. I feel better in the morning but I don't know what to do to get the swelling to go down. What shall I do? I take ibuprofen and are on day 4 at the moment 400mg x 3 times a day according to my doctor. How long does this take to go away? Is it true that the swelling gets worse when I sit in chairs with my legs down and when I drive my car? It's frustrating so any info is appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rest is a necessary component of healing.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Shin splints need a complete rest for a proper healing. The swelling increases with sitting on chairs or driving.
Taking ibuprofen will help in reducing the inflammation but you need rest and keep a pillow under the leg while resting to decrease the swelling. You can also use an elastic bandage or brace to provide support to the area and use a foot rest to keep the feet elevated in case you need to sit on a chair during the day.

Doing a regular hot compress in the area will also help. It takes 2-3 weeks of rest for the shin splints to get better.

I hope this answers your query. Wishing you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Praveen Tayal
Orthopedic Surgeon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar