Not really sure what’s going on never had any calf issues. Maile 57 years old started Tri’s 3 years ago (still doing sprints) Ran most of my life (15:50 - 5km - 2hrs 40- marathon - 7 hrs 25 mins - Comrades in my time). I’m no where near that these days. Anyway - the last couple of months had calf knots in both legs - first my right calf - calmed down - then in a recent sprint my left calf had exactly the same issue - took two weeks off running but 10 mins into any type of run (really slow) it starts to knot again. There seems to be no issue cycling/swimming. I am running in Hoka Cliftons for the past two years wth no problem, Anyone got any thoughts why this has suddenly hit me?
I’ve been having this same exact problem. I havent figured out the cause or a prevention method, but ive found thorough stretching, foam rolling, and shorter, more frequent run a to be helpful.
Look for “Mad Calf Disease” or “Calf Heart Attack” articles on this site and on the web. Dan wrote about this issue several years ago. There have been several threads. Usually only hits those over 40 years of age. Frustrating issue that only occurs with running. I had it for nearly 10 years but now at 60 have been (knock on wood) free from issues in the last 22 months.
Look for “Mad Calf Disease” or “Calf Heart Attack” articles on this site and on the web. Dan wrote about this issue several years ago. There have been several threads. Usually only hits those over 40 years of age. Frustrating issue that only occurs with running. I had it for nearly 10 years but now at 60 have been (knock on wood) free from issues in the last 22 months.
Have a good friend who is 55 and has been dealing with this for a while now. It is killing his racing since he cannot run.
No good answer from the docs for him.
I deal with this once a year, usually during the weather change from winter to spring. A couple things I have done to lessen its impact. I started taking a daily electrolyte, compression socks while running, I never run in long compression socks except when this flares up. Lastly, roll the crap out of your calves, if that’s not enough, use the stick and hammer your legs. Once I walk and don’t notice any strain, I go for a short run, like 10 min max. If no pain, the following day go for 15 min and so on all while rolling your calves. This process brought me down from 3 weeks off to about 5-6 days, still not ideal, but better. This is my experience, I’m sure it’s different for everyone. Good luck.
These issues are not electrolyte related.
Having your closed chain examined might pick up a weak core. This medially deviates the femur, knee and lower leg. You may experience calf issues as these muscles may be working to correct the deviations in your mechanics.
A strong and stable core, prescription orthotics, eccentric heel drops and properly supportive sneakers may help alleviate calf issues.
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I developed calf problems in my left leg due to my bike saddle being too high. I dropped it a quarter to a half inch and voila, all gone.
If it is the soleus seated calf raises 2x per week helped me. If gastrocnemius, then standing eccentric heel drops are better.