First of all, let's understand that you need to take action for treating your shin splints if you want to rid yourself once and for all of this malady.
Don't be like some people and having read something you say that you understand it but then do nothing concerning your shin splint treatment.
Second, if you are experiencing pain when you run or participate in your favorite sport then you need to take a rest from that activity or any activity causing you shin pain.
Try and find another sport to cross train in instead of aggravating your sore shins.
You're probably making the condition worse and will only extend the time for your recovery.
The first treatment if you are experiencing shin pain is to do some ice dipping.
Put about twenty pounds of ice in your tub and just enough water to rise over the front of your shin.
This should create a slush which will be very, very, cold.
Then dip your shin in this slush for 10 seconds.
Don't cheat...
10 seconds.
Take your leg out and wait 2-3 minutes before repeating.
Repeat this sequence 5 times.
By the end you'll want to shoot me but I've found this is better than rubbing ice on the affected area.
Second thing to do is toe taps.
While sitting with you knee bent at a 90 degree angle start tapping your toes.
Try to raise them as high as possible and tap as fast as you can while still raising those toes up high.
You can point your toes to the left, then straight ahead, then to the right.
Just feel free to experiment with this exercise.
You'll find how long to tap your toes until you get a real burn in your shin area.
When you can't tap any longer just stop and wait a couple minutes and then repeat.
Try for three sets at first and then go for five sets.
After a week you'll notice your muscles in the affected area getting stronger so continue to push and do as many sets as you have time.
Third is to try and figure out why you're experiencing shin splints in the first place.
Have you tried to increase your training to fast? If you're a runner don't add more than 10% per week to a workout.
Are the shoes the correct ones for your feet? A good running store can provide you with enough info to decide on what type of shoe is best for your body.
Some people over pronate, some under pronate or supinate which means your foot isn't going to provide enough shock absorbing to keep you from getting injured.
Are your glutes weak? This will mean that other parts of your body are over compensating which of course will lead to injury if you are exercising very much.
Would you like to read more? Is there anything to help you put all this together? A practical way to find out what's causing your shin splints...