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If it was running, I'd be more concerned about your shoes, but provided you're not walking in something crazy (high heels, flip flops, etc.), I don't know. If it's a big increase to the amount of walking you're doing overall, maybe dial that back and see what happens, but other than that, I'm out of ideas. Maybe look into getting some good shoes and google ankle-strengthening exercises.
I`m not sure if its the shoes because I can start out and the ankles will feel like they are going to fall off they hurt, so I will stop for about 10 min. and stretch them, then go back and try again. I can go for awhile, then it does it again. I stop. Stretch. Then go back and they seem to be ok after that. Aggravating!
There are articles on the net about the repetitive injuries sustained from treadmills. It's not normal, human walking/jogging...it is the same, exact surface over and over and over again and therefore, not what the body was made for moving on: earth, with all it's lumps/bumps/etc. Even sidewalks and tracks are surfaces that more closely replicate earth. And there are articles too, about the cushioning (or lack thereof) of treadmills (particularly the cheap ones).
I had one for a while too. A well regarded one with plenty of cushioning. I finally sold it. I'm sorry you're hurting. I suspect it may be the machine. I know that lifting free weight (dumbbells) has done wonders for me over what the gym machines did, and I feel it's the difference of movement that engages and strengthens fine muscles as opposed to super focused movement of a particular set of muscles. I think walking on natural (or more natural) surfaces is healthier, like lifting dumbbells without a machine that constricts that movement.
I don't think going shoe-less on a treadmill is going to help. If anything, that's just going to exacerbate your issue.
My gut instinct is that you have tight/stiff calf muscles and you need to work on your flexibility in that area. Tight muscles in one part of your leg can cause problems/pain in another part because the tightness in a given area can cause you to overcompensate on another part. For example, I have a very tight right hamstring and if I don't regularly foam roll, I'll start having issues with my left knee.
Don't stretch cold muscles. Warm up first, then stretch your calf muscles. After you're done with your workout, stretch them again.
Also, the motion of a treadmill causes some people to tense up and/or walk/run with an unnatural gait...that can cause pain/muscle issues as well.
What is up with that? I start walking and my ankles hurt so bad I have to stop and stretch them.
The incline is only on 2 and I have even taken the incline down to 0, but they still hurt.
Is it the way I am walking or am I doing something wrong.
Have someone check your form to be sure you are hitting the belt with the heel of your front foot and pushing off with the ball of your back foot. My trainer told me many make a common mistake of hitting the belt flat footed and it can cause problems for the ankle and knees.
Also, try doing some balance exercises on a rocker board. I had very weak ankles two months ago when I first started at my gym and could only manage to maintain my balance on a rocker board for 12 seconds. Within 5 weeks I was up to 9 minutes! I see a very noticeable improvement in the strength of the muscles in my lower legs and ankles.
I now look forward to using all sorts of balance equipment because it is fun and very easy to see weekly improvement - I can't yet maintain my balance with my eyes closed, but, I may get there one day.
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