There are two reasons for shin splints: either your tibialis anterior mussel (the one that runs next to your shin bone) gets too tight, in that case just stretch it like any other mussel by pointing your toe as far forward as you can. The other type of shin plain is actually where your shin gets splinted. I suffer from this unfotunatly, especially after I nearly broke my shin sledding. You can either say off your feet for awhile and ice them anytime they hurt, or you can stop walking on hard-packed surfaces like roads, sidewalks, or treadmills. Since I play rugby I needed to run so I found some nice atv trails through the local forest that I can run on fine. Hope this helps

I agree with the previous response in part. Your tibialis anterior is most likely being over used when you walk due to weakness in your glutes making it more difficult to get a true push off the ground with each stride. Try using incline and slower speeds. The incline should force you to push off the ground using your glutes more. Also, train your glutes with squats, deadlifts and lunges and focus on really using your glutes. I hope this helps you out.
Kevin Yates

another thing to check is your shoes. i used to get shin splints until i paid for a quality pair of cross trainers as i mostly walk. i suggest that you go to a foot clinic where they can help you find exaclty the right shoe.

I ran track all through high school and middle school and shin splints seemed to plague pretty much half the team every year. The best way I found to prevent them is by after running apply plenty of ice! Ice is key in prevent muscle pain and shin splint. You should also have a good warm up which includes stretching and light jogging. After you run or walk do more stretching. Hard surfaces make shin splints worse as well so avoid running, jogging, and walking on surfaces like cement and gym floors. I agree with lolijaye on the shoes thing also. Hope that helps