Overweight/Running

Q:I have developed a big problem with shin splints. To give you some background, I am 37. I have been jogging on and off since I was 30. In addition to jogging, I walk a lot and work out on a Nordic Track machine. About a year ago, I started having a big problem with shin splints. (At the time, I was jogging about three miles, three times a week. I had been running that mileage comfortably for some time with no previous problems. ) I bought new shoes, and that didn't help, so I basically stopped running for 6 months. I started going on long walks for exercise, but that would bother my shins, too.

I have tried to pick up jogging again, but it has been very frustrating: some days, I can run my route easily without pain, and some days I have to stop after ten minutes and hobble home.

Do you have any advice? Are there exercises I can do that would help?

A: You need to develop the muscles along your shins. To do this:

With your shoes on, walk around on your heels with your toes up. Do this for 2 minutes.

Stretch your calves with your toes in and your heels out (get pigeontoed). L ean slowly toward a wall to get the full stretch.

As always, where your health is concerned, check with your physician.

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