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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
calf tightness

MattQ

Oct 6, 08 19:38

Post #1 of 8 (421 views)

calf tightness	Can't Post

The other morning after a short easy run, I felt a tightness in my right calf, kinda like a knot. In the beginning it bothered my maining going down stairs. At the top portion of my achilles is tender to touch but not painful. If I try to run easily for a short time, it doesnt bother me much at all during the run, but after it starts to get tight. I took a few days off from running at it felt great than ran and after got the tightness with light pain. Anyone have any experience with this?

mdcrag

Oct 6, 08 20:21

Post #2 of 8 (399 views)

Re: calf tightness [MattQ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Dude, I'm no doctor, but I've been plagued with achilles tendonities off and on for the last 3 years. I'm finally getting over it because I take care of it regularly. It all seems to stem from tightness in my calves. I'm not saying your going to get AT. Just that my calves get tight after running and so I make sure and stretch them real good after every run, bike and even my swim. (I figure the more consistently I stretch, the better off I'll be.) However the best thing I've found was the Triggerpoint products. (and no, I have absolutely zero interest in the company) It was pretty darn painful doing the roller (everyday) but after about a week, it wasn't so sensitive and it really helped me keep my legs feeling great.

Everyone is different, and who even knows if what you and I have are similar. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.
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matti58

Oct 6, 08 20:38

Post #3 of 8 (387 views)

Re: calf tightness [MattQ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I second the previous poster in that you might want to look into Trigger Point Therapy's products. In particular, I like the TP Massage Ball and the Footballer. Tight calves and tight soleus muscles can cause a lot of problems. I had a history of painful calves and achilles, but it all started to get better when I made a concerted effort to stretch my calf and soleus muscles, as well as massage using TPT's products. Good luck.

Bux

Oct 7, 08 5:34

Post #4 of 8 (338 views)

Re: calf tightness [MattQ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

X3 on trigger point footballer, i have used this with decent results over time, key is to use it like they demonstrate in the video as it is different than rolling on a foam roller (needs the side to side work to release the muscles).

On another note, when trying to come back to running after it has been aggravated, taking off running for a week or so and then when coming back start out very ez with 3min run 2 min walk for 15-20 minutes for the first few runs then 4 min run 1 min walk for a bit longer etc.......always seems to be better for me when i bring it back slowly even if it feels good and it allows it to fully heal without reaggravating. A good coach can easily adjust your plan to max fitness in everything else and get you back to running full steam, working through injuries is actually a great reason to work with an experienced coach.
Hope is not an effective strategy......

tigerchik

Oct 7, 08 7:42

Post #5 of 8 (291 views)

Re: calf tightness [MattQ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

what if you stretch pre and post run, might help
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Phread

Oct 7, 08 8:01

Post #6 of 8 (282 views)

Re: calf tightness [tigerchik] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've also had problems with my Achilles stemming from over training when I used to do marathons.

I found that cold therapy afTer running helped. A hint about that. I used to soak in a container of ice water. After putting up with the terrible ache of putting my foot directly into the ice water, I found that there is a way to make it a less painful experience. First, put on a thin pair of socks, and then put a plastic bag over your feet and calves to keep them dry. Then place your foot into the ice water. I usually don't soak for more than 15 minutes at a time, but that is just me.

I also started using "The Stick" after running. I roll/message the heck out of my calves. I have heard that the Trigger Point products are good, but I have not used them.

One caveat ..DO NOT THINK THAT YOU CAN RUN THROUGH THE PAIN AND GET AWAY WITH IT!!!. A sore achilles could very easily progress to tendonitis if you are not careful.

Lastly, Hammer Nutrition has an ointment called "Hammer Balm". It seems to be helpful in reducing inflammation. (At least it has helped me.) And, no .. I have no affiliation with the Hammer people other than using some of their products.

Good Luck ...

Phread

MattQ

Oct 7, 08 12:09

Post #7 of 8 (201 views)

Re: calf tightness [Phread] [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks for all the help, I stretch and use a roller and the stick. This is a question pertaining to what happened. Right now I am a student between health insurances, so I cant go into see a Doc, too much $$

CarolinaLaw

Oct 7, 08 12:33

Post #8 of 8 (178 views)

Re: calf tightness [MattQ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Your symptoms sound similar to mine. However, I figured I'd just HTFU and keep on running as I had a marathon in 3 weeks from the first onset of pain. Needless to say, less than a week from the mary I partially tore my calf and basically wasted 2008 because I continued to be stubborn and figured I could beat this on my own. Wrong again.

I recommend checking out a local ART specialist. He will likely be able to pinpoint whether your pain is stemming upwards from the AT or downwards from the gastroc/soleus region. The In addition, he/she may watch your stride and can tell whether you have any other issues. For example, my ART guy watched me run and noted I have very inflexible feet which makes it hard for my calves to properly fire and push off in mid-stride. He's been working on my legs for awhile now and while the therapy can be painful (seriously, very painful) I have already been able to tell a noticeable difference in my calves elasticity and flexibility. After a few weeks of being told not to run, he's now got me back to running like a poster above stated: run easy 5-10', stretch, repeat for 3-5 miles. And make sure to continue stretching throughout the day: 5-7 times. I have been told that through therapy, stretching and taking it easy for awhile I should be at full speed within 2-3 months.

Finally, one question I have is what size are your calves? I have very large calf muscles for my size (due to years of soccer) and have been told that I'll need to be super careful in the future about recurrences. Some of it is just genetics.

As always, N=1.