I know it sounds crazy, but I'm walking wrong.... HELP!

MzRKP
MzRKP Posts: 19
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
So I've recently decided to begin walking/jogging again and found that 5 minutes into it, my lower back and front of my shins are in so much pain! I googled and found that I had to change my posture, that helped with my back. For my shins, I found that maybe I am landing flat footed instead of rolling into my walk.. Anyone know any other pointers I can take?

Replies

  • nbinghamaz208
    nbinghamaz208 Posts: 2 Member
    I have the same problem. I stop throughout my walk and bend over to stretch my back. Changing my shoe type helped with shins.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Get properly fitted for walking shoes at a specialty store. Take shorter steps can help with shin splints.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    My daughter had a similar problem. She got custom inserts from an chiropractor and if she gets any sort of strain when running she modifies her gait. Try lots of things and keep doing what works. Don’t skip your stretches
  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    Shin splints. Get fitted for great shoes
  • mkculs
    mkculs Posts: 316 Member
    How much overweight are you, and how much walking/activity were you doing before you tried walking? It is quite possible that 5 min was/is too much if you are obese and have been inactive for a while, regardless of your age.
  • emmamcgarity
    emmamcgarity Posts: 1,594 Member
    I agree with the recommendations to get fitted for a proper shoe. It makes a world of difference for jogging/running. Everyone's feet are shaped differently and different brands and styles of shoes fit each of us differently.

    Go to a running store. I went 12 years ago when I was jogging at that time. The salesperson had me lift my pantleg so that she could watch my ankles while I walked along a path barefoot. She studied my gait to see how I naturally turned my feet and ankles while walking and jogging while not supported by shoes. Then she had me try on several different brands of shoes and studied my walk/jog again each time. She watched to see how easily my heels lifted out of the shoes while walking. She worked with different lacing styles on the shoes to tweak the heel fit. In the end, I spent $120 on a pair of running shoes that fit really well and supported my feet in a way that I was not knowledgeable enough to choose for myself.
  • maureenkhilde
    maureenkhilde Posts: 849 Member
    I have started doing much longer walks. And went to a store where they still have people who know about the shoes. And got fitted with walking shoes, and some gel inserts, and told to get longer laces than what they came with. It seems to have helped as I was having some shin pain. They also suggested taking breaks more often, as I have started walking on a trail, which is different than just a sidewalk.
  • Metalman224
    Metalman224 Posts: 26 Member
    All of the posts about getting a quality shoe fitted are correct. It is possible that your heels and arches may be to blame also.
    You may need orthotics to correct any pre-existing issues and it may be in your best interest to see a podiatrist prior to spending any significant amount of money on shoes as they may not be suited.
    They may well fit perfectly but if your heels or arches aren't correct in the first place all you have done is put a comfortable expensive shoe on a problem.
    I had this issue and wasted significant dollars on 4 different shoes before seeing a specialist. Works out much much cheaper if you see a podiatrist / specialist to start with. They can give you the best advice and recommend a shoe that will be the best for your specific needs.
    Your local footlocker staff can give you a great fitting shoe but they can't give you medical advice or diagnose underlying issues.
    You can run the risk of creating more unnecessary problems as I did which were totally avoidable.
    Hope this helps. Good luck!
  • Metalman224
    Metalman224 Posts: 26 Member
    Wow. Anyone notice the date on the Ops question? Probably worn out a few pairs of shoes since then....
  • VUA21
    VUA21 Posts: 2,072 Member
    The most likely culprit: your shoes. Get fitted for a good pair of trainers.
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