Sore shin and calf after walking - one side only

[breadmama]

I'm perplexed by this - one leg gets really sore and stiff when walking at a moderate pace. The pain is below my knee, through the outside of my calf muscle and somewhat along the shin. It feels like off-center shin splints, if that makes sense. I do stretch before walking, and the tightening up starts at about the 1/4 mile mark. It is really stiff and sore by the time I get to a mile (back home again). I feel like a wimp!

The weird thing (to me, an admitted non-athlete) is that it is only the left leg that hurts! It has happened with the well-worn walking shoes I use, as well as some Ecco light hiker boots. I thought it was perhaps the shoes, which need to be replaced - but then it happened with the boots, too, which have good support.

Any ideas from the athletes here?

Thanks a lot - I am frustrated, because I like to walk, the weather is finally starting to cooperate (56 today! Woo hoo!) and heaven knows I don't need any excuses NOT to walk! :o

[funniegrrl]

The fact that it's one-sided could mean that there's something slightly off in your gait, or that you have some sort of asymmetry in your body. One leg could just have tighter muscles than the other -- that's definitely the case for me, I have one leg that "rolls out" more than the other. Another possibility is that you are walking sideways on an incline in the same direction every time, or around a track in the same direction every time, so one leg is taking all the stress. Unless you can get some sort of sports medicine analysis ... you might try doing some strengthening exercises for that shin. http://www.thewalkingsite.com/shins.html

Also, using "well worn" shoes is a bad idea. Since you've experienced the problem in other shoes, I don't think the shoes are the cause of this problem. However, exercise shoes DO break down and should be replaced about once a year.

[Robyn1007]

My first thought was walking on an irregular surface as well. Also, the well worn shoes have probably worn away any support they had for an irregular gait and your hiking boots may have worn in that area as well. I would also suggest seeing someone about custom orthotics for your shoes. I have them in my ski boots and they made a world of difference. If you're going to be traveling you might look to see if there is a Surefoot (http://www.surefoot.com/find.php) in those areas. The nice thing about them is once you have your foot scanned etc then you can order replacements or versions for other types of shoes online as they store your info.

[Natasha]

I agree with the others that it may be due to your walking surface being uneven, such as if you're walking on the camber of a road or of a track.

It could also be something to do with higher up - your hip flexors, tight hams, etc. For example, I experienced discomfort/pain in one knee and in the surrounding area. Turned out to be that that area was taking on more than it should have because the hip flexor on the other side of my body was not firing properly. You could also try going to a chiropractor and seeing what they say about your posture and alignment after an assessment, if you're not opposed to the idea.

I also agree with funniegrrl's comment about how one leg might just be tighter or move differently, or that you may need to assess your shoes. There are some folks out there in walking & running stores that really know their stuff and can analyse your current pair of shoes and your gait; other folks not so much. It's hit and miss with staff at those stores from what I've experienced, but there are some really knowledgeable staff out there.

Good luck and enjoy the fine weather!

[SusanMac]

Our bodies are rarely symmetrical, so it's not that unusual to have an ache on one side or the other. My left foot is longer than my right. How you sit most of the day will also have an impact and cause imbalances (do you typically cross your right leg over your left, for example). Do you carry a heavy computer bag over one shoulder vs the other. etc.

You might also tie your laces a bit differently w/out even knowing it.

Even if there is now swelling, I recommend icing your sore leg. Ice never ever hurts....and typically feels good.

Good luck!