Expert: Ken Alan - 5/11/2007

Question
Ok, my wife and I have begun walking together at the local high school 1/4 mile track. Somewhere into the end of the first lap, my shins are ON FIRE! My wife keeps a brisk pace and it is challenging to keep up with her. Jogging offers no relief. Am I walking incorrectly? Bad shoes? Am I just ridiculously out of shape? The burning ends when i stop walking and doesn't even linger. Any idea what is happening to me?

Thanks!
-M

Answer
Your shin muscles are contracting and apparently they aren't used to contracting.  In other words, it sounds like you are just starting out and the muscles aren't used to it.  It's foolish to keep up with your wife, unless you like that burning feeling in your shins.  You have to go slower than her.  Embarrassing?  So what.  If you try to keep up at her pace, you're forcing your tibialus muscles (shin) to work harder than they are capable of, which is why they begin to burn.  You have to select a pace where that does not occur.

You should also stretch out your shin muscles.  That will do a lot to alleviate the discomfort and prevent it from building up in the first place. You stretch your shin muscles by sitting on the floor with your legs out if front of you.  Have your wife or someone else press gently down on the top of your feet, like they are pointing your feet for you.  They should press until you feel a stretch in front of your shins.  Hold for 20-30 seconds.  Repeat 1-2 times before your walk.  Repeat 3-4 times after your walk.
If you don't have good walking shoes, get some.  It can make a big difference.  In a few months, you should be able to match your wife's pace without the shin pain.  It takes time.

Hope this helps.