Active 10 help

[LittleOwls]

Footwear and shin splintsHi , I started Active 10 two weeks ago. I am over 60 and have really felt the benefit. I now have shin splints so have to stop for a while. I only do 10mins/day. Can anyone recommend good shoes with arch support so I can get started again? Thanks

[CBDB Administrator]

huh, what a shame. I do wonder if it would be good to see a podiatrist or physio to get an assessment of what the cause of your shin splints is.

In my limited knowledge, I am aware that we often think the pain is related to Shin splints, but in fact the cause and solution points to something complete different.

If you have access to a good physio or podiatrist, that might be a good way forward.

Alternatively, I also wonder if it might be good to go to a good running or outdoor shoe shop and get fitted. Within the running community this is such a normal thing to do, as we are all so different in our bone structures and fitness levels. Getting shoes fitted often makes the difference between continued niggles or painfree workouts.

We often ignore this when we are “only” walking, and your suggestion to get better supportive shoes is, I think, spot on. But it might be a running shop or good shoe shop with walking shoes which might be best to give you advice when also taking into consideration your particular issues?

Not sure that helps but I would really love to hear how you fare.

Make sure you build up slowly, and it sounds planning in some recovery days, as you recover, might also be a good thing.

[LittleOwls in reply to CBDB]

Thanks for the advice, I will speak to my GP about a referral to a podiatrist who might be able to help me choose the footwear I need. My right foot does turn inwards when I walk naturally so this could be causing a problem when I brisk walk for 10 mins.

[CBDB Administrator in reply to LittleOwls]

Sounds good. Let us know how you are doing.

And if you need some motivation for strengthening exercises, we also have a sister forum called: Strength and Flexibility. healthunlocked.com/strength...

[LittleOwls in reply to CBDB]

Hi, I have rested my legs for a couple of days and the shin pain has subsided. It seems to be osteoarthritis that is causing the problem, I have found anti-inflammatory gel helps alot. At the moment walking on soft ground helps. I am going to persevere and see a podiatrist. Thanks for the link to strength and flexibility. Let's hope for some warm spring weather soon.

[CBDB Administrator in reply to LittleOwls]

That’s good. Gentle mobility workouts like yoga might also be a good preventative. Hope you find a good way forward.

[GoogleMe]

I suffered from pain in my shins for many years and worse with brisk walking. You know what cured it? Running!!! I am not kidding, it really did. Brisk walking is still a bit of a problem for me.

I agree with the suggestion to get some expert input. There's no blanket 'X shoes will be good for your Y problem' (Sadly I have to report that the worst shoes I ever ran in, which did give me shin splits, were specialist fitted after gait analysis... and I'll run in more or less anything, active sandals, walking boots, and my preferred minimalist running shoes)

You might find it helpful to use the pace checker on the app as it could be that you could ease off the pace to the benefit of your shins whilst it still counts as 'brisk' for app purposes.

[LittleOwls in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks, running is not possible yet but I have checked the pace checker and can relax on the pace to still achieve my daily goal. I am using some cushion insoles now and trying to walk on soft ground.