Question
I am a young man in his twenties and like to exercise. Every time after I walk a lot (e.g. spending one day at the mall), my lower legs hurt pretty bad (not the calf, but on the front). The pain comes from the tendon/muscle area along the shin (when I press it, it hurts). Lying down and resting help a lot and the pain always goes away after a good night's sleep. What is causing the pain? Is it normal just because I walked a lot on that day (but I used to feel fine a few years ago, even after a long walk)? My friend says I could have developed shin splints. What is that?

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatric Orthopedist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Penn,

Sorry for making this public-but no one is going to know-plus I do not answer questions unless they are public.......So here goes....
Your friend is probably right. A shin splint is an irritation of the anterior tibial leg muscle after over use or over stretching. This may be due to the footwear you are wearing, or your leg and muscle type,makeup and walking style(lower leg orthopedics & biomechanics)
If it improves try stretching the anterior tibial leg muscle for a minimum of ten minutes before and after your walks.
If this does not help then seek the aid of a Podiatrist who specializes in Orthopedics or is Certified in Foot and Ankle Orthopedics.They may use physical therapy, additional stretches and/or prescription orthotics
Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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