One moment you are jogging, working out, or maybe just exercising. And the next moment, you experience a sharp and unbearable pain shooting up your lower leg. This may mean you have shin splints.

Shin splints are one of the most common exercise-related problems. It causes severe pain in the large bone in the lower leg called the shin bone. This condition is medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome. It is often a result of overworked muscles, tendons, and bone tissues of the shin bone. It is a common occurrence in athletes, but anybody is susceptible to it, depending on the level of physical activity they are involved in. Shin splints are also known as soleus syndrome and periostitis.

How To Get Rid Of Shin Splints Naturally

1. Hot Or Cold Compress

Both hot and cold compresses may help in alleviating the pain and inflammation caused by shin splints.

You Will Need

A hot or cold compress

What You Have To Do

Place a hot or cold compress on the affected area.

Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.

2. Cherry Juice

Cherries contain compounds called anthocyanins that exhibit antioxidant properties. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, cherry may be used for treating shin splints.

You Will Need

1 glass of unsweetened cherry juice

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of cherry juice.

3. Hot Tubs With Essential Oils

Hot water reduces inflammation.

Essential oils are believed to provide calming effects. This may help in relieving pain from shin splints.

You Will Need

A tub of hot water

1-2 teaspoons of any essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus oil)

What You Have To Do

• Prepare a hot bath.
• Add one to two teaspoons of any essential oil to the hot tub.
• Soak yourself and relax in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Massage

Gently massaging the affected area on your lower leg may help relieve the pain caused by shin splints. For best results, use a warm compress prior to massaging. Warming the muscles may make the massage more effective and relieve the pain and inflammation.

Also, it is highly recommended that you get enough rest for at least 4 to 5 days following the injury to speed up the recovery. In addition to this, you may also use a cold compress to decrease the swelling of the legs.

5. Ginger Root

Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This may help reduce inflammation and swelling caused due to shin splints.

You Will Need

1-2 inches of ginger root, cut into small pieces

A cheesecloth

1 bowl of hot water

What You Have To Do

• Shred the ginger root into small pieces.
• Place the shredded ginger in a cheesecloth and soak this in a bowl of hot water for a minute.
• Apply this ginger compress directly to the affected shin and allow it to work for 15 to 20 minutes.