Can walking make shin splints worse?
On One Hand: Walking May Make Shin Splints WorseWalking can make shin splints worse, or even be the direct cause of shin splints in some cases. Shin splints are usually the result of unaccustomed pressure on shin muscles that are weak. Therefore, walking on hard surfaces such as concrete or walking at a very fast pace can worsen the problem.On the Other: Walking Normally Should Not Cause ProblemsWalking at an ordinary pace on most surfaces is unlikely to worsen shin splints. Wearing shoes with a good arch support and choosing a non-concrete walking surface will help to avoid problems with shin splints.Bottom LineShin splints can be made worse by walking, but only in unusual circumstances. People who use walking as strenuous exercise may find shin splints becoming worse, but walking under most ordinary circumstances will not typically cause problems.Source:Mayo Clinic: Shin SplintsCNN; Running On Shin SplintsThe Walking Site: Shin SplintsColumbia University Health Q&A Service: Shin Pain
