Same as everyone else--my legs hurt when I walk

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I'm writing to you because (like pretty much everyone else writing to you) I have a problem. I'm a college student on a fairly large campus, so I walk a fair bit. I usually walk for at least an hour a day, broken up into 10-15 minute stretches, usually. I've noticed that my calves have started to ache when I walk. I don't think I'm walking too quickly, however the pain eases when I take shorter steps at a slower pace. I'm 19, maybe 180 lbs. I'm slightly overweight but not obese for my body type. I don't usually exercise much, and as such I get out of breath easily. But I've not notices losing my breath just walking to class unless I have to speed-walk. I've only noticed the pain when I'm walking at school--for example, walking all day at amusement parks don't bother me at all. Aside from the pain, the calf muscles themselves get hard to the touch.

So, if there's anything you can say to help, please do!

ANSWER: It may be some slight cramping of the calf muscles. If so, you might need to look at your food choices to make sure you are getting enough fruits and vegetables. Also, you might try doing some calf muscle stretches before and after your walks between classes. Starting and stopping for these intermittent walks can be hard for your muscles to adjust to. You can consult a book on stretching, or talk to someone in the fitness industry for details on stretching, as it is difficult to explain stretches in words.

If none of these ideas work, you probably should consult a doctor to make sure there isn't anything more serious going on.

It is perplexing and very difficult to guess from the information you gave me.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there anything else I can tell you that would help?

Also, I realized I forgot to mention earlier that I'm a girl. If that helps or changes anything.

Thank you for everything!

Answer
I should have been more clear. You gave me a lot of information. In fact, I can't think of anything else I could use.

One other thing I thought of is the type of shoes you wear. Make sure they are good quality running shoes, and get them fitted at a specialty running store. Poor fitting, improper or old shoes could easily contribute to leg pain.

My main point is that if the advice I gave you so far doesn't work, it really becomes a possible medical issue, which I simply can't address. I really wish I could be of more help, but pain problems are very difficult to advise for, and they very quickly move into the medical arena.