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Help with calf issues!
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I consider myself a relatively accomplished runner, and have VERY rarely had any injury issues. I am 45. Crashed on the bike and broke my left clavicle 3 days before IM Boulder this past summer, and ever since I have started running again, I am continuing to have nagging acute calf (sometimes gastrocnemius, sometimes feels more soleus) on a regular basis... i.e. shutting down a run 5-10 minutes in at times. Any thoughts from you PT/sports med people out there?

Colorado Triathlon Company, CO2UT 2021, Crooked Gravel 2022, Steamboat Gravel 2022
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Mad Calf Disease could be your issue especially if you are north of 40. A search will provide information on this all too common disorder.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Which calf? Very possible you now have some imbalances and are compensating. I had a bike accident that eventually caused issues running. One shoulder didn't move the same after, changed how my opposite hip aligned. The right pt will work to get you balanced, not just work on the injury. Stand sideways with your usual posture and compare left to right sides. If one shoulder is different from the other (potentially due to the clavicle), this can affect your gait as you could be slightly angled, maybe your hip isn't quite aligned, causing you to land differently, maybe stressing the calf. You would need a really good sports pt who knows how to get spine, shoulders and hips aligned.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [Billyk24] [ In reply to ]
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Billyk24 wrote:
Mad Calf Disease could be your issue especially if you are north of 40. A search will provide information on this all too common disorder.

That was an entertaining read :) Only problem is I ran from 40-45 with zero issues... only since my crash has it been a problem!

Colorado Triathlon Company, CO2UT 2021, Crooked Gravel 2022, Steamboat Gravel 2022
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Re: Help with calf issues! [madonebug] [ In reply to ]
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Good thoughts, thanks :) Will look in to it!

Colorado Triathlon Company, CO2UT 2021, Crooked Gravel 2022, Steamboat Gravel 2022
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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try using a roller working on calves up to lower back.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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I'm similar age to you, decent runner, and have had off and on calf issues for years. When they're acting up, while running my calves get tight to the point my feet fell like they're falling asleep. I've had good luck resolving the problem by doing isometric single leg calf raises. 3 sets of 25 on each leg every day for a couple of weeks seems to get me back to normal. Good luck...
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Re: Help with calf issues! [saltysaltysalty] [ In reply to ]
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I would agree with the calf raises, these did wonders for my chronic calf/achilles issues. I saw a PT years ago, he just shrugged and said ' just stand on the edge of a stair and do 3 sets of 10-12 calf raises on each leg, 3 x per week'. So simple, but completely cleared it up for me, amazing after all the time I had spent on trying to rehab vs strengthen the area! I add a weight in one hand as I get stronger over a period of time (10, 15, then 20lbs).
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Re: Help with calf issues! [TMorris] [ In reply to ]
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TMorris wrote:
I would agree with the calf raises, these did wonders for my chronic calf/achilles issues. I saw a PT years ago, he just shrugged and said ' just stand on the edge of a stair and do 3 sets of 10-12 calf raises on each leg, 3 x per week'. So simple, but completely cleared it up for me, amazing after all the time I had spent on trying to rehab vs strengthen the area! I add a weight in one hand as I get stronger over a period of time (10, 15, then 20lbs).

I like this idea. Ironically I USED to do this a lot. Will get back at it when this acute injury is healed. Thanks to all for input.

Colorado Triathlon Company, CO2UT 2021, Crooked Gravel 2022, Steamboat Gravel 2022
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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boilerup wrote:
I consider myself a relatively accomplished runner, and have VERY rarely had any injury issues. I am 45. Crashed on the bike and broke my left clavicle 3 days before IM Boulder this past summer, and ever since I have started running again, I am continuing to have nagging acute calf (sometimes gastrocnemius, sometimes feels more soleus) on a regular basis... i.e. shutting down a run 5-10 minutes in at times. Any thoughts from you PT/sports med people out there?

Diagnosing run injuries is a very complex and hands on task. Nobody will know until they can examine you in depth, in person. However, I will mention this as a possibility. Generally, your upper body responds to your lower body. Arm swing generally responds to what your lower body is doing. It is a compensation to achieve balance and stability. However, sometimes upper body injuries can prevent the upper body from doing its job properly, which can result in the lower body having to compensate instead. For example, a frozen shoulder can result in lower body gait changes. I have no idea if this is the case for you though. Only an in person evaluation could determine that. If your insurance will pay for it, a visit to a physical therapist who specializes in running would be helpful. If money was no object and willing to travel, Jay Dicharry in Bend Oregon is who I would see.

Simplify, Train, Live
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Look up "Calf Heart Attacks".

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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Now you have me worried !
I'm 45 too.
I crashed off the bike in July and busted my left clavicle and a bunch of ribs. They actually found a brain tumor in the ensuing CT scan.
I am about to start running again very soon.
I suppose starting with low mileage and hip work is the way to go.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Potentially Exertional Compartment Syndrome. Sounds like you have all the ingredients and symptoms. It's worth getting it checked out anyways (although the test is extremely uncomfortable). If that's what you have and it goes un-diagnosed, it could lead to nerve damage and you'll be off the roads for 5 years (I know from experience...still recovering)
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Re: Help with calf issues! [triordie1994] [ In reply to ]
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the type of roller that I recommend is a lacrosse ball. In particular for the your calves I recommend getting to lacrosse balls and taping them together with medical bandage. This will form sort of an 8 shape. This is the best for hitting the muscles of the calves and really digging in on both sides.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [tylerpc73] [ In reply to ]
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Be careful rolling. Sometimes it can aggravate issues.
Eccentric heel drops are good, again be careful doing them and gradually increase tension.

Dr Jay
http://www.Tri-Pod.net
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Re: Help with calf issues! [tylerpc73] [ In reply to ]
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tylerpc73 wrote:
the type of roller that I recommend is a lacrosse ball. In particular for the your calves I recommend getting to lacrosse balls and taping them together with medical bandage. This will form sort of an 8 shape. This is the best for hitting the muscles of the calves and really digging in on both sides.

Trick I learned from a pro wskier is to put two into a tube sock. works great. Also they make a fused double ball I got this for xmas :)

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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Great thread, thanks for ideas and reassurances. almost 40yo running specialist with years of calf issues and currently 6months of chronic calf issues. Calf strength is pretty high now (single leg calf raises with 90 pounds on smiths machine), but still having issues. Adding more walk breaks to runs now, at home calf raises holding an 18L water jug, in addition to at the gym exercises. Good summary of calf rehab from strains here: https://www.pogophysio.com.au/...-strains-in-runners/

In addition to this I work from home in IT. Chair / desk are good but have upgraded to standing desk and set a timer to stand up every 30min, + physio prescribed "slump test" repeats to "floss" out any impingements through my hips/lower back

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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Started having calf issues, turned into achilles issue then personal issues. What helped me was taking a break from running. The real game changer was sleeping with an ankle brace on every night, no issues after that.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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I developed unexplained calf pain that pretty much prevented me from running or biking for a couple years. Turned out to be an accessory soleus muscle, and had surgery to have it chopped out. I’ve been full on ever since.
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Re: Help with calf issues! [boilerup] [ In reply to ]
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Everyone will have their own variations of calf issues. For me, it was a tightening in the junction between gastrocnemius muscle and tendon. Came on at different times but is basically the product of overloading and not being able to manage the load whilst running only. Only thing that works is loading the calf in the gym (standing calf raises focusing on eccentric and seated calf raises). I worked with a really good physio who showed me some research claiming runners should be able to lift approx 200% body weight in standing calf raises. Since then ive been able to manage it pretty good.

Simply put manage your running load and get consistent in the gym.

Its all part of getting old and sitting for a living.
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