I’ve had a knot in my right calf for over 6 weeks that won’t go away. I had a torn calf 3 months ago and slowly got back to running (not full speed yet),a some cycling. However this damn knot will not go away. I’ve tried massages, stretches, ice,and motrin. Haven’t tried a lot of heat yet. Should I see a specialist? I’m afraid to start speed work next week with the knot still there. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I think it’s a good idea to see an orthopedist or a PT if something won’t go away.
I’m having calf issues too 
1 - go see someone;
2 - while waiting, you might try using ‘the stick’ to bust loose any knots in there.
it doesn’t have to be an official ‘the stick’ though, i use a thing i call ‘the dowell’ which is really just a normal dowell that i’ve given a nickname. works well for knots.
Wow, I have the same problem. I got the knot from doing IMWA last Nov, and I still have it. Glad to know I’m not alone.
AP
Maybe it’s a tumor.
Count me in on the calf not. Mine progress to the point of simulating shin splint pain. I took about 3 weeks off and worked on it pretty hard with the stick and iced afterwards. I finally had a pain free run; the knot is still there, but getting smaller.
The stick works better if you have your SO or a sadistic friend. There is something about your brain limiting the amount of pain that you can inflict upon yourself that is overcome by someone else.
Works even better at least for me it does.
I had the same issue with my left calf. Waited 6 weeks before start running again and re-injured it after increasing my mileage and speed.
Ice,stick,etc… are temporary solutions try to find the real reason behind it.
My problem turned out to be a far more pronating left foot than the right after some slow motion video gait analysis.Custom inserts was the solution.
accupuncture. I had the same thing - needled twice in 2 weeks and every 2 weeks after that. It was gone after the second session. I swear by it (as other posts on this site will attest). Months of massage, motrin and “specialists” did nothing.
If “The Dowel” is made from wood wouldn’t it be more of “The stick” than the actual “The stick”
I use “The dowel” as well.
~Matt
it’s knot a tumor!!
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Ditto. ART and regular, torturous use of the TP ball got rid of mine. And drink lots of water.
the rolling pin works wonders.
Sounds like ultrasound and electric stimulation time with a PT to me!
it’s probably a lump of scar tissue. If ‘the stick’ doesn’t do it, go to a PT and get them to do cross-frictions on the calf, also known as ‘crucifixions’ because it hurts hijus…
Yes, if you do speedwork, the muscle will probably tear again, right at the knot. That’ll generate more scar tissue, a bigger knot, and so on. I have had the experience…
TP Massage Ball is the only thing I’ve found that feels like my therapist digging in my calf. I use that and the FootBaller every day. Awesome stuff, go to the website, www.tpmassageball.com, and find out about the left leg. They say 98% of issues they see in the US are on the left side of the body because the way you sit in the car.
Try a chiropractor. It may just be your out of alignment. Several years ago I went from 40 miles a week running down to 3-5 miles a week and this lasted for 4 months. Tried everything…I mean everything except my chiropractor that I have used for almost 20 years. Went back to him finally and told him my problems, got chewed out for not being in there for so long, got my adjustment, and pain went away and never to return. Went back to running and still slow as hell, but that is another story.
This sounds like a classic ART situation - the active release techniques is all about breaking up scar tissue from from repetitive stress injuries as well as scar tissue that has resulted from healing, such as a torn calf muscle. It really works well.
I say get a great, ART therapist / Chiro and an understanding of what is going on Then get a TP Massage Ball and FootBaller. If you have a great ART person they’ll agree.
What they can accomplish in the office you can enhance at home…