If you are suffering from shin splints, your doctor will tell you that the first step in shin splint treatment is always to rest up. It can be frustrating, but resting is absolutely necessary for your tissues to heal properly, and you might need to rest during 2 to 6 weeks. You can always try shin splint taping, read on.
During this period, you can use other measures to help alleviate the pain, such as applying ice packs, taking NSAIDs, and using rigid tape in your shins. This taping will help you relieve the pain and recover from your injuries by restricting your muscles to better allow them to heal, and taking pressure off the affected tissues. Taping can also increase blood flow, which will in turn speed up the healing process.
The tape used for shin splint treatment can be 1 or 1.5 inch zinc oxide tape. Taping will be more effective and comfortable if the skin is hairless, so some shaving might be required; you can also use underwrap or skin adhesive. It is always recommended that you consult with a physiotherapist or podiatrist before trying any shin splint treatment technique.
Begin taping on the frontal portion of the ankle. Wrap the tape towards the outside portion of the leg, and angle the tape slightly upwards. Then, tape around the shin in an upward spiral pattern. Make sure to apply enough tension so that you are pulling the soft tissue from the calf to the anterior portion of the leg. Once you are done with the first tape spiral, apply a second spiral following the same pattern; the second tape should slightly overlap the first one you applied.
Another effective taping method for shin splint treatment is to start taping on the inside of the ankle, then going around the back of the ankle and the Achilles’ tendon (making sure not to apply excessive pressure around the tendon), and then apply the tape diagonally across the frontal portion of the shin, using an amount of pressure which is comfortable to you. Afterwards, repeat the same pattern two or three more times, each one slightly overlapping the previous tape.
Always remember that, although shin splint treatment is simple, you must consult with your doctor and physiotherapist to rule out any other possible causes of shin pain, and also to make sure your shin splint treatment is appropriate and effective.
