TOPICAL MEDICATION should use a combination of hot and cold. As with all injuries the body sends its healing agents to the source of the injury in order for the body to heal itself. One of the problems with this natural process is that the fluid associated with the healing process can cause swelling and further tissue damage through pressure on the tissues. The fibrous connective tissues that are attached to the bone are bundles of fibers that work and stretch together. If there is too much swelling in the area the liquid will spread the fibers apart and produce scar tissue between the fibers. This requires a balance between reducing the swelling in the area with cold water and ice treatments and allowing the healing agents to do their job. This balance must also allow for the necessary stretching of any scar tissue through the slight re-injury of the tissues. My recommendation is to use a cold water or ice treatment on the first day and then alternate that treatment with a mild blistering agent that will create a minor injury to draw the healing agents in the body back into the area. I use a home remedy called “Tight Again” which has been very effective. The product is painted on the shaved surface of the shin and allowed to remain open to the air to avoid too much heat in the area. There are no ingredients in the product that would be harmful if ingested. It is extremely important to wash the area thoroughly before each treatment to avoid a chemical reaction that might result in an extreme blister.