I have been running to lose weight, but have bad shin splints and knee pain, should i switch to plain walking?

I have been running/walking in intervals (run for 5 minutes, then walk for 5) because i am trying to lose weight, and it's working. I have bad shin splints and knee pain because i have been running on a sidewalk (the only availible terrain for me), but i am afraid if i switch to just walking, i'll stop losing weight. Can i go the same distance i have been or even a little more with just walking and continue to lose weight?