Lower Leg Pain When Walking

Walking is an excellent form of exercise that can increase leg strength and cardiovascular fitness. Lower leg pain can arise when walking for a number of reasons, including walking longer distances suddenly, being new to walking and needing better shoes. Lower leg pain while walking improves with rest, but can also be prevented by strengthening the lower leg muscles.

Shin Splints

• Shin splint pain runs along the front of the lower leg, either on the outside or inside of the shin where the bone and muscle meet.

Stress Fractuers

• Small fissures in the bone can be caused by excessive walking and are called stress fractures. These do not require casting, but only rest and perhaps physical therapy.

New Shoes

• Lower leg pain while walking can indicate the need for new shoes with more cushioning.

Achilles Tendinitis

• Occasionally walkers may experience pain in their Achilles tendon, which is the tendon in the lower leg that connects the heel to the calf.

Remedies

• Remedies for lower leg pain while walking include resting, icing, stretching and taking anti-inflammatory medication.