Shin spilnts?!?! please help i'm in pain!?

Question:

my shins really hurt like its not exactly on my shin kinda to the outside of them but its on both legs. my mom said its probably shin splints, could this be what it is? what are shin splints and what causes them? any way to make them less painful?! i'm really active, i run alot and play alot of basketball and soccer. what can i do to make them stop hurting so bad. it even hurts to walk! please help me, i'm 14 if that matters! so what causes them, what are they, and how to make them go away!?!!?

Answers:
Shin splints are usually a running-related pain. Symptoms are pain in the front of the leg, usually about midway between ankle and knee. When working out, the pain starts right away and lessens during the workout. The pain can return later in the workout or the next morning. The pain may be dull at first but can become severe enough to prevent you from working out.

If you suspect you have a shin splint but have not been formally diagnosed, it is important that you get diagnosed. The symptoms of a shin splint are the same as the symptoms for a tibia stress fracture. An xray is needed to tell the difference.
Treatment includes:
1. rest - this means avoid ANY activity that causes pain so stick to swimming or bicycling
2. ice
3. NSAIDS for pain since they also help with inflammation (ibuprofen, aleve, naproxen)
4. elevation of legs higher than heart (reduces swelling)
5. wear the proper shoes (if needed, get advice from a podiatrist or sports medicine professional)
6. wear arch supports

Once pain and swelling have subsided, resume slowly! If you think your shin splints are healed and they aren't, you will be back to square one. Also, keep in mind that a shin splint can become a stress fracture if you don't follow treatment properly.

Shin spilnts?!?! please help i'm in pain!?

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