Terrible Lower Calf Pain, help needed please

Hi all,

I have recently taken up walking, having sensibly built up from shorter flatter ones of 3 to 5 miles to more strenuous hill walking of up to 8 miles (but no more than 500m ascent so far) over a period of 3 months.

I am generally fairly fit, have good diet, well hydrated, warm up & down with stretching. Have Skins leggings/power sox too. So all the sensible stuff! I am over the weight I'd like to be, so getting out in the great outdoors is a great way to see places and get fitter for free!

However over the last week or so I have experienced crippling lower calf pain on the outside of both my legs after walking for a few minutes. The pain starts around halfway up my calf and down to my ankle, only on the outside of both legs. There is a little bit of swelling too. The pain is unbearable whilst walking but stops completely on rest. Best way of describing it is a burning sensation.

I'm not someone prone to cramps, so not sure it is that? Could it be my gait/pronation problems causing it?? I have no foot pain, but fairly high arches and my shoes wear on the outside of the heel over time, so I suspect this could be related?? I really want to get back walking asap, but this is preventing me from doing so at the minute.

Any help gratefully received!! Thanks.

You are not alone as calf pain is a common problem among runners and walkers. My advice is to ditch your shoes with "high arches" and heel padding. These shoes will only promote a walking stride with MORE impact. I suggest looking into an alternative shoe, like the FiveFingers. These shoes are designed to let you make your natural walking stride with least impact. There is no padding and no arch support, so these shoes will strengthen your feet, ankles, and calves. check out a website like FivefingerFootwear.com | Vibram FiveFingers for more info.