What Is The Cause And Treatment For Shin Splints?

Posted on Thu, 8 Jan 2015

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

Thu, 8 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a place on my left leg that when I press against something, like the bed, I feel a sharp, needle-like pain in that area. It is just to the left of the shin.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Might be due to shin splints

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

According to your description, what you have might be due to shin splints.
Shin splints usually result from overuse. Repeated movements of the foot can cause damage where the tibialis muscles attach to the tibia. Soon the edge of the muscles may begin to pull away from the bone. The injured muscle and the bone covering (the periosteum) become inflamed.

I advise you to-
1. Take rest. It plays a key role in decreasing pain and inflammation.
2. Stop doing the activity that caused the problem, at least until their symptoms are under control.
3. Apply cold packs and take anti-inflammatory medications like Motrin to calm pain and inflammation.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju