Editing Shin splints (section)

==Treatment==
It is important to reduce significantly any pain or swelling before returning to activity. 

Treatments include rest, ice, and gradually returning to activity.<ref name=Galbraith /> Rest and ice help the tibia to recover from sudden, high levels of stress and reduce inflammation and pain levels.

Strengthening exercises should be performed after pain has subsided, on [[Calf (leg)|calves]], [[Quadriceps femoris muscle|quadriceps]] and [[Gluteal muscles|gluteals]].<ref name=Galbraith /> Cross training (e.g., cycling, swimming, boxing) is recommended in order to maintain aerobic fitness.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Tibial Stress Injuries: Decisive Diagnosis and Treatment of 'Shin Splints'|journal = The Physician and Sportsmedicine|volume = 30|issue = 6|pages = 29–36|last=Couture|first=Christopher|doi=10.3810/psm.2002.06.337|pmid = 20086529|year = 2002|s2cid = 39133382}}</ref> 

Individuals should return to activity gradually, beginning with a short and low intensity level. Over multiple weeks, they can slowly work up to normal activity level. It is important to decrease activity level if any pain returns. Individuals should consider running on other surfaces besides asphalt, such as grass, to decrease the amount of force the lower leg must absorb.<ref name="YatesWhiteWhite2004" />

[[Orthoses]] and insoles help to offset biomechanical irregularities, like pronation, and help to support the arch of the foot.<ref>{{Cite journal | doi=10.1177/1938640009355659| pmid=20400435|title = Use of Foot Orthoses and Calf Stretching for Individuals with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome| journal=Foot & Ankle Specialist| volume=3| issue=1| pages=15–20|year = 2010|last1 = Loudon|first1 = Janice K.| last2=Dolphino| first2=Martin R.| s2cid=3374384}}</ref> 

Other conservative interventions include improving form during exercise, footwear refitting, [[orthotics]], [[manual therapy]], [[Balance (ability)#Balance training|balance training]] (e.g., using a [[balance board]]), [[cortisone]] injections, and [[calcium]] and [[vitamin D]] supplementation.<ref name=Galbraith />

[[Deep tissue massage]] is one of the massage techniques that may be useful. A technique such as deep transverse friction to relieve muscle tightness will help stop the build-up of scar tissue. This can overall release tension in the calf muscle area, relieving pressure that is causing pain.<ref name="De Permentier"/>

Less-common forms of treatment for more-severe cases of shin splints include [[extracorporeal shockwave therapy]] (ESWT) and surgery.<ref>{{Cite journal | doi=10.1177/0363546509343804| pmid=19776340|title = Low-Energy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as a Treatment for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome| journal=The American Journal of Sports Medicine| volume=38| issue=1| pages=125–132|year = 2010|last1 = Rompe|first1 = Jan D.| last2=Cacchio| first2=Angelo| last3=Furia| first3=John P.| last4=Maffulli| first4=Nicola| s2cid=21114701}}</ref> Surgery does not guarantee 100% recovery, and is only performed in extreme cases where non-surgical options have been tried for at least a year.<ref>{{Cite journal | doi=10.2106/00004623-200310000-00017|pmid = 14563807|title = Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome| journal=The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume| volume=85| issue=10| pages=1974–1980|year = 2003|last1 = Yates|first1 = Ben| last2=Allen| first2=Mike J.| last3=Barnes| first3=Mike R.}}</ref>