If you are unfamiliar with the various treatment options for shin splints then check out our self-help page. Remember to always discuss over-the-counter treatment with your local pharmacist so they can check if it is suitable for your condition and safe for you to take.

Pain relief

Below is a list of medication that eases pain symptoms. You can obtain these from your local pharmacy without a prescription.

Active ingredient Brands

Paracetamol

This is a simple painkiller with few side effects and is safe to take with most medication.

Suitable for all ages:

Calpol (liquid)

Suitable for ages 6 and up:

Anadin Paracetamol
Hedex

Suitable for ages 10 and up:

Panadol

Suitable for ages 16 and up:

Beechams Cold & Flu capsules/sachets

Ibuprofen

This medication reduces inflammation. You should take it with food as it can cause stomach pain and is best avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcers.

Suitable for ages 3 months and up:

Nurofen (liquid)
Cuprofen (liquid)
Calprofen (liquid)

Suitable for ages 12 and up:

Anadin ibuprofen

Aspirin

This medication reduces inflammation. You should take it with food as it can cause stomach pain and is best avoided if you have a history of stomach ulcers or take medication that thins your blood.

Suitable for ages 16 and up:

Alka-Seltzer
Anadin Extra
Anadin
Disprin

Co-codamol (codeine/paracetamol)

These painkillers contain a combination of codeine and paracetamol and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation.

Suitable for ages 12 and up:

Panadol Ultra
Paracodol

Dihydrocodeine/Paracetamol

These painkillers contain a combination of codeine and paracetamol and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation.

Suitable for ages 12 and up:

Paramol

Codeine/ibuprofen

These painkillers contain a combination of codeine and ibuprofen and are suitable if your pain is not controlled by some of the simple painkillers listed above. The codeine may give you side effects such as drowsiness (which can affect driving), sickness or constipation.

Suitable for ages 12 and up:

Nurofen Plus
Solpadeine Max
Solpadeine Plus
Syndol

Over-the-counter treatments listed on this page are available at your local pharmacy. Find your closest pharmacy below.