Although a long walk is great for both your physical and mental health, it can sometimes cause discomfort. Think of sore feet, but also back pain or hip pain. If this happens just once, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. But in the long run, it naturally becomes a nuisance. After all, you want to be able to go for a walk without having to worry about pain or discomfort. In this blog, we’ll therefore tell you everything you need to know about pain after walking. That way, you’ll know exactly where your symptoms are coming from and what you can do about them.
Common pain symptoms after walking
Unfortunately, you may sometimes experience pain after walking. You might only experience this after walking a long distance, but you may also feel discomfort after just a short walk. Common symptoms include:
- Sore feet– Think of tired soles, pressure points or pain around the heel.
- Back pain– Lower back pain, in particular, is a common occurrence when walking.
- Hip pain– For example, on the side of the hip, in the groin or around the gluteal muscles.
- Knee pain– This can occur at the front, on the side or around the kneecap.
- Calf pain – Think of a nagging, stiff or, conversely, tight pain in your calves.
In addition, muscle ache, blisters and a feeling of stiffness in the legs are common after or during a long walk.
Where do these complaints come from?
The cause of the pain varies depending on the specific complaint and the individual. For example, sore feet after a walk may be caused by the long distances you walk. Perhaps you’re not used to this and your feet are being overloaded. Or perhaps you’re wearing the wrong shoes. After all, you need to ensure not only that your shoes fit properly, but also that they provide sufficient cushioning. In addition, the surface you’re walking on, your walking style and the position of your feet can also play a part.
Hip pain whilst walking can also have various causes. For example, it may be due to overuse, but it could also be caused by other issues. These include irritation of muscles or tendons, joint problems or reduced mobility. The same applies to back pain whilst walking: this can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, poor posture, reduced stability or unsuitable footwear can cause problems. Furthermore, back problemscan also lead to pain in the hip. You should therefore always consult a specialist if you experience serious symptoms.
What can you do to relieve back pain, hip pain or other aches and pains after a walk?
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent pain after walking. For example:
- Invest in a good pair of walking shoes – A good pair of walking shoes makes all the difference. Make sure you choose comfortable shoes that fit well and provide plenty of support and cushioning.
- Build up gradually – don’t start running long distances straight away, but build up step by step. That way, your body can get used to the strain.
- Be mindful of your posture – avoid walking with a slumped, stooped or overly tense posture. Instead, try to walk upright and relaxed.
- Give your body time to recover – Have you just been on a long walk? Allow yourself time to recover and alternate periods of exertion with periods of rest.
Are the symptoms persisting? If so, it is advisable to seek professional help. A professional can investigate the cause of the symptoms and how they can be resolved.
How does a chiropractor help?
A chiropractor can help with a range of pain-related issues, including back pain, hip pain or other pain experienced whilst walking. A chiropractor corrects misalignments in the spine. This improves your posture, reduces tension and allows you to move freely again. As a result, there is less strain on other muscles and joints whilst walking.
So, when you visit a chiropractor, they don’t just look at the area where you’re experiencing pain, but at your whole body. For example, your back pain might be caused by poor posture whilst walking. A chiropractor will then address your posture, which will reduce the strain on your back and make walking pain-free again. Please ask our team for more information.
