Can You Get Shin Splints From Walking

Woman's feet walking on treadmill

Paradigm Credit: YanLev/iStock/Getty Images

Shin splints are a common injury that tin can happen with any activity including running, playing sports, walking, dancing and taking aerobics classes. Shin splints that are non properly treated can turn into a more serious status or they can become chronic. If you have developed shin splints while walking, first talk to your doctor who can recommend the right treatment arroyo.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are diagnosed when the muscles, tendons and layer of tissue that covers the shin bone become irritated or inflamed. Shin splints can cause pain on the inside edge of your shin bone, which may occur only during activity or the hurting may be constant. Overtraining and improper preparation are the most common causes of shin splints, even so in that location can be an underlying medical condition besides. Your doctor can run tests and perform a physical examination to determine the exact cause and best treatment approach.

Shin Splints and Walking

While shin splints are often associated with high-impact activities such as running, any type of activity can cause them. If you take been sedentary and all of a sudden offset walking every day, or for long distances or at a very brisk intensity, your risk for shin splints is higher. Walking uphill, downhill or on uneven surfaces tin besides place excessive stress on the shin area. Having apartment feet raises your risk of developing this condition as well.

Treatment

The exact handling required depends on the severity and cause of your shin splints. If your injury is severe you lot may require a menstruation of residual, water ice and medication to reduce the pain and swelling. You may need to apply crutches and avert putting weight on the area for a short period. In milder cases you may only need to avoid activities that brand your symptoms worse. If there is a structural trouble with your feet, orthotics, arch supports or inserts may be prescribed. Once your symptoms subside, y'all will need to return to your preinjury walking routine very slowly.

Prevention

Your best bet is to take steps to avoid shin splits while walking. Visit a sporting goods shop and try on several shoes to find the right fit and support for your feet. At that place are able-bodied shoes specifically designed for walking.

Utilise practiced conditioning habits such as warming up and stretching lightly before your walk and cooling down afterwards. Participating in a strength-training program for the lower legs volition help to accept pressure off of the soft tissues then they are less prone to injury. If you are at risk for shin splints, a physical therapist tin can design a proper programme based on your overall wellness and walking routine.

Using proper walking course tin can assist preclude shin splints. Avoid striding too far forward and leading with the heel and avoid walking at a pace that's likewise fast. Each step, no matter how fast yous're moving, should involve hip rotation.

You may likewise notice that yous need to vary your workout by walking every other mean solar day and and so biking, pond or taking h2o aerobics on the other days to cut downwards on the impact.