Shin splints are a relatively common yet painful condition of your lower legs. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, shin splints is the term used to describe pain and tenderness along the inner aspect of your tibia. Your tibia is a large bone in your lower leg. Both repetitive activity and inappropriate footwear may contribute to this condition. Nutritional supplements may help treat this health problem, but always discuss the use of supplements with your doctor beforehand.
About Shin Splints
Shin splints, notes MedlinePlus, are common in both trained and recreational athletes. Shin splint-related pain occurs when the tendons, muscles and other tissues in your lower leg become swollen and inflamed. Overuse of your lower leg tissues followed by inadequate rest may cause shin splints. Another common cause of this painful condition is a rapid change in your activity levels. Other possible causes of shin pain include stress fractures, tendinitis and chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
Shin Splint Supplements
Supplements commonly used in treating shin splints may help reduce inflammation and pain in your affected tissues. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," arnica, rue, calendula, cayenne and wintergreen are anti-inflammatory supplements that may help increase blood flow to your affected area. Other helpful supplements for shin splints may include feverfew, curcumin and essential fatty acids. The use of certain dietary supplements may not be backed by clinical research trials.
A Useful Supplement
Curcumin, the principle active ingredient in turmeric, may be one of the most useful supplements in treating your shin splints. Curcumin, states that Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has traditionally been used in treating inflammation as well as infections, kidney stones and gastrointestinal problems. Curcumin is commonly prescribed to help reduce inflammation and speed healing of injured or damaged tissues. Some studies suggest that curcumin might also be helpful in treating breast cancer, although more research may be required to confirm this finding.
Warning
Dietary supplements, though commonly used in treating a wide variety of ailments, should always be used with great caution. Before taking dietary supplements to help treat your shin splints, meet with your family physician to discuss all supplement-related issues, including proper dosage and likely side effects that you might experience. Shin splints are not a life-threatening condition, but they may cause considerable pain or discomfort and should be managed by a qualified health care professional.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shin Splints
- MedlinePlus: Shin Splints
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
