Calf pain while walking

Question
I am overweight, about 220 lbs and 5'4". I am 43 years old. I don't really get THAT out of breath. I could have gone around the block another time or two, if my legs weren't hurting. As it was, I only went around once. My husband went around the block another time without me, at my urging. Another thing is that I have been in really good shape before, when I was going to the gym every day, and my calves would STILL hurt, even then. And I exercised them quite a bit with walking, and other exercises. I have had this problem with my calves since I can remember... years and years. Thanks again.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I have the same problem as one of your other people, but he was 33 and was (is) male. I am female. I have had problems with my calves burning/hurting while walking most of my life. I just went out to walk with my husband (just now) and only walked for about 3 mins when I started to hurt. My calves will burn and then start cramping after a few more minutes. Is there anything I can do? I want my husband to get SOME exercise too, but he is taller and longer legged than me, and I try to walk fast for him. Should I slow down too? I have not been active since our marriage, 8 years ago. I know I need to get in shape and want to feel better. Thanks for any input you can give me.
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Bonnie,

What you experience might be due to how fast you walk. Burning in the muscles and cramping are signs that you are going too fast for your condition. You did not mention your age, weight or if you are out of breath. But it sounds likely that you are trying to walk too fast. You will simply have to slow down until you get in better shape.

I always tell people that you get 90% of the health benefits of running by merely walking. But it is also true that you will get 90% of the health benefits of fast walking by merely walking slowly. Faster walking can wait until you have built your muscles and cardiovascular systems into better shape. That takes time.

If your husband likes to walk fast, you may have to let him go ahead. Maybe you could walk on a track or some other circular path, so that you never get too far apart.

What you need to do is walk slowly enough that you can keep it up for 30 minutes nonstop without your muscles burning or cramping. Then, gradually (over a few weeks) increase your walking time at that same speed until you can keep it up for an hour. Only then should you try to increase your speed slightly, and see if you can hold it for 30 minutes again. A few cycles like that should steadily improve your ability to walk comfortably at a fast enough pace to keep up with your husband.

Answer
Bonnie,

In that case, you have something beyond my expertise. It may be something medical, but only a doctor could tell. I would think that losing weight would reduce the burning in the muscles, but if you had it at a much lower body weight, then I don't have an answer for you.

Sorry I can't be of more help.