
Originally Posted by
Windex
Shin Splints are basically the muscles around the shin/calf that are inflamed/swellled and push against your bones and tendons.
Promoting blood flow and heating the area is a good way to reduce inflammation. Here are some suggestions you can try that I've used in the past with success :
- Sauna, favourite way to stimulate blood flow in your body. My sauna is electric so it doesn't get nearly as hot as a traditional one. Therefore, I also put a heating pad around my calves while in the sauna.
- Compression SKI socks / sleeve. I emphasize the ski version because they go higher up.
- Better shoes. In the winter I do cardio with winter hiking boots. A lot more support, less ground impact, less pain. My personal favourite brand is Lowa, but they are $300+
- Foam rolling, helps stretch out the muscles, combine with massage - add a happy ending if you have a significant other.
- Modify your calf worksouts - I train calves 2-3x per week and do mostly body weight exercises with a lot of volume.
- Extra hydration. Coconut water + taurine (very cheap, $10 or so for a container).
- Increase your salt intake. Lack of sodium increases muscle cramping.
- Accupuncture, Hot Tenz, or Dry Needling