(HealthDay News) — Shin splints are usually caused by inflammation or injury to the shin muscles. The predominant symptom is a sharp, searing type of pain along the bone of your lower leg.

The Calgary Health Region of Canada offers these self-care tips:

• Rest the affected leg as much as possible.
• Substitute non-weight bearing exercises, such as swimming, for your usual workout until the pain has gone.
• Do daily calf muscle and Achilles tendon stretches but avoid stretching the shin muscles.
• Apply ice to the inflamed area.
• Wrap your lower leg with a tensor bandage to provide support.
• Elevate the lower leg above the level of your heart as often as possible.

The pain from shin splints can last from several days to a week, but may become chronic if you don’t allow enough time for your leg to heal.