I have been walking off and on for several years. The off part is usually the result of developing shin splints.
I start with stretching for several minutes. I start my walks at a slow pace and gradualy work up to about 12 minute miles for a usual total of 4 miles. Historically I have done this three times a week. I wear New Balance shoes, they come in 4E widths and replace them frequently.
There are times when the pain gets so severe I need to stop walking and rest for 15 + minutes. I can usually go on and sometimes the pain does not return. Any ideas for what I can do to resolve this problem?

I just starting having that problem also. I've been a walker for some time now but have started to work on picking up my speed. It gets better after a couple miles. Warming up and stretching don't seem to be helping. I'd also love to know if anyone knows of a solution.

I had a personal trainer provide me with some exercises that pretty well eliminated my shin splints.
1. Lay on your back with your legs bent as if you were sitting in a chair. (I hope that's clear). Rotate your left foot at the ankle 20 times clockwise and then 20 times counterclockwise. Point and flex this same foot 20 times.
2. Repeat with the right foot.
3. Do a wall sit for two minutes. Your back is against the wall and your legs are bent as if sitting in a chair. Toes are pulled back towards you.

These exercises really helped me. I did them both before and after I ran until I no longer had problems. I only do them occasionally at this point. Hope this helps you.

Have you checked to see if you over-pronate? I over-pronate and found out that it was a major player in me getting shin splints. You might also need orthotics. The portland fit folks usually recommend Bio Softs, but I really like Spenco Orthotics-- I've used both.

I hate shin splints, so I wish you luck in easing the pain!

Cheer up......................Shin splints arent a permanent thing if you work them out. As noted in previous replies, there are good and easy stretching exercises to help strenthen and stretch out the muscles causing your pain. Another Stretch I use to use for my troops in the military was to have them sit on the ground with legs together straight out in front of them. As a partner would gently and slowly (I stress both) pull on the toe end of the foot and pull the toes toward the partner and away from the knees as the "Shin Splintee" applies light resistance to the pulling partner, it would help stretch out the muscles on the shin. When the toes are pointed away from the knees, the partner slowly release the pressure and the toes are slowly pulled back up to a normal position with minimal resistance. If you have no partner to assist, simply lodge your toes under a door or couch, or similar force and do the slow stretch yourself. This use to help before and after the run.
Another suggestion is to talk to Dr. Jake from CLearwater who is at PFit on Saturdays. He helped me with my back and it hurts no more. Dont give up whatever you do.
See you on the road!!!!!!!

Hey Pokey,
Let me get some more info so we know best how to help. What is your age, height, weight, and foot arch type (high, normal,flat)? Where is the pain located (anterior, lateral or posterior to the tibia bone)? What does the pain feel like (achey, burning, sharp, dull, throbbing)? This info can help to differentiate posterior and anterior shin splints from compartment syndrome or a stress fracture. Get back to me soon so we can proceed.
Cheers,
Dr. Jake

I am 59 and about 5'9' and weigh 240. I have wide feet will near flat 4E with near flat arches. The pain is anterior and is very sharp. There are times when I can make up my mind to keep going despite the pain and it seems to ease after about a mile, other times I it gets worse with distance until I quit.