Why do I get sore shins when I walk?

Shin soreness can often be the result of over using the calves and landing the foot too far back on the heel with each step.

1. Stretch the calves before and after you walk with a straight leg and a bent leg

2. As you walk :

• Relax the foot

• Use your butt muscles to bring your leg underneath you with each step

• Keep your hips, knees and feet in line with each other

• Keep your arms moving forward and back, not across your body

• Think tall

• Look straight ahead

3. Strengthen the calves with calf raises.

• Stand with your heels off a step.

• Rise up on your toes fast and lower slowly.

• When that becomes too easy, do it on alternate legs.

4. Have good supportive footwear.

• Shoes should not be measured by how long you have had them but by how much you have worn them.

5. See a Personal Trainer

• They should be able to check your technique and advise on how to improve it.

Sue Wells | C2K Master Personal Trainer | 03 Mar 2009