Re: Leg Pains

Pain in the immediate front of the lower leg (either side) is usually
termed shin splints.  Going slower, and relaxing the curl of the toes while
you walk.  Check out to see if you are not 'biting' down with your toes as
you walk.  Walk at a medium pace as it begins to hurt, slow down or just
stop for a few minutes, take the opportunity to look around, take a few
deep breaths.  Within two weeks if the pain is still there or gets worse
see a physician - there is then a problem that is not easily or self
'cured'.

Walking on a hard surface is not nice on the legs -- anymore than standing
on a hard surface all day long.  Even though turf/grass is more uneven and
will cause more effort and tire you faster, it is better for your lower
body...less impact.

That you get this pain localized on one leg may indicate that one leg is a
little longer than the other or you are not quite standing/walking
errect..or other similar compensatory  things.  Chiropractors claim to be
able to fix this problem, but so do shoe lifts or proper Orthodics.  The
later are cheaper.

Jim Morgan wrote:

> OK, emboldened by Beverly I am just going to jump in.
>
> Started walking about three to four weeks ago.  I am fairly fit but
> hurt my back and currently cannot swim--can't turn.  Anyway my wife and
> I are walking 30 minutes 5-6 times a week.  We walk mostly on asphalt
> unless we can get out early and can walk through the golf course near
> us.  About ten minutes in to a walk I develop a sharp pain on the
> outside of my right shin.  Probably shin splints, but I thought they
> were usually on the inside.
>
> So my question is, have others experienced this.  If so what have they
> done.  Is the only solution to qut for a while.  I hope not as I am
> enjoying this with my wife--although I hate walking alone.
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
> jim morgan