Lower outer leg pain while walking...?

CheyenneTLE10
CheyenneTLE10 Posts: 56
edited January 27 in Health and Weight Loss
I am starting out my weight loss journey by taking baby steps. My mom and I started to walk every day after dinner about 2 weeks ago and since then I've lost 4 lbs. Last week, our co-workers started a group to walk during our lunch hour around a loop, which takes about 15 minutes and my mom and I have joined and missed about 2 walks, BUT on the days that we didn't miss we did the loop twice. So, along with our nighttime walks (usually about 30 minutes) we've got another 30 minutes during lunch hour.

Just this week I've notice my legs are in a LOT of pain even though I'm just walking and it's only been 5 minutes. I thought maybe shin splints, but it's not because it hurts on the outer part of my legs - more the right leg than the left. I don't know if it's something serious or just muscle developing/something going on due to the extra walking I've started doing - it never was a routine until recently. I use New Balance: Shape Ups(?) - I think that's what they're called...I bought them about 2 years ago anyway - shoes and they're specifically for walking.

I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this kind of pain while walking?

Replies

  • Phrick
    Phrick Posts: 2,765 Member
    yes I have experienced it. Part of it was due to walking faster than I was used to and part of it was due to walking *more* than I was used to and the biggest part of it was due to having old, broken down shoes that looked OK from the outside but the working parts were worn out and they needed to be replaced. Once I replaced the shoes and got used to my new routine, no more pain. Unless I step up my speed again then it sometimes comes back (walking is my main form of exercise too). With 2 year old shoes I'd say it's probably time for new ones.
  • RTDice
    RTDice Posts: 193 Member
    Phrick hit the nail on the head with Shoes.

    If you are upping the speed then you are upping the impact, so you need a little more cushioning. I wear shoes rather than trainers by preference, but now I am walking at 4mph I need the padding.

    Also with upping the speed you will may find the muscle around the shin starts to hurt. It will calm down as the muscle developes to cope with the increased speed. The doctor gave me a long name for it, which I promptly forgot. It isn't anyting to worry about short term, if it continues see your doctor.

    As you up the distance you may find the sink on the soles of your feet hardens, this too is a natural response. You can use cream to soften it if it gets too hard, but don't over do it, the harder skin is there for a reason.

    Good luck on your journey, and I hope you enjoy the walking. :)
  • CheyenneTLE10
    CheyenneTLE10 Posts: 56
    Thanks for the responses! Looks like I'll be getting some new shoes :) I thought my shoes were fine because I haven't really worn them much, but I realize that the times in between the 2 years adds up.

    Now I know it's nothing to really worry about :)

    Thanks again!
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    You might have a tight IT band. It runs from the pelvis to the tibia on the outside of the leg. If new shoes don't fix it, talk to a doctor. It's easier to take care of the problem early. You could also try some IT band stretches after you walk.
  • CheyenneTLE10
    CheyenneTLE10 Posts: 56
    Well, I didn't get new shoes yet, but I used my mom's runners tonight (they're about a year old) and my legs felt fine. *Phew* happy I can walk again without pain :D

    I'll be buying my own runners this weekend!
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