I’ve been battling an on and off calf injury, but have not been able to determine the how/why?
About mid-way into a run (typically after 4-5miles) my right calf tightens up and feels like it is either going to explode or just rip apart. I’ve tried stretching and ice to help treat it from time to time, but it keeps creeping back.
I have no problems when on the bike with it.
Any suggestions, outside of staying off of it for a week to two?
I had this same thing going on a couple of months ago. My right calf had been feeling tight for a week or so, and I felt it “pull” about 2 miles into a run It felt pulled apart for a month or two, but as long as I kept running it would be OK, stopping to walk killed it. Hills made it WAY worse, but I never stopped running and its gone now. Stretching felt really bad, so I didnt do it. Running with something tight around my calf helped. I’d say try some compression - I used a small knee-sleeve thing. -zoe
Have had something similar and hears it called pulled calf. Felt like someone chooped my calf muscle with a hatchet about 5 miles into an olympic run. Supposedly caused by running faster than normal on uneven surfaces or up amd down hills. Try wrapping it tight with an ace bandage all day, not just while running, icing after running and or putting a heel lift in that shoe. I got those gel heel cup things in the drug store. Only one felt weird so I used them in both. I used them in my running shoes and my strret shoes for a week or so. Healed quick, if that is what you have it should not get worse if you run on it. Good luck.
I agree with the heel cups. I battled this two years ago. Found out my shoes and feet were too flat. Bought some heel cups and really spent time stretching before and after my runs. Never run without those cups now and if I do I go right back to where I started.
Good luck. I know how much of a nag it is.
Get yourself a massage stick and work that sucker good a couple times a day. I’d say keep running, but keep it EZ and stop well before the pain sets in - immediately after your run is a great time to pick up the stick and get to work while the musce is warm and loose. Using the stick, you’ll be able to really focus on the damaged area, working out knots/adhesions and increasing blood flow to the area - should accelerate healing nicely. If you have one handy, a standard rolling pin from the kitchen will work - just make sure to work it upward (toward the core), rather than down toward the foot.
Mike
My $.02
-Rest, water run for a couple of weeks.
-move your cleats back a few mm.
-When it feels better do some eccentric calf exercises.
-Firm compression socks, especially after rides and workouts.
-Stick roll after workouts, then ice.
-When you are able to start running, start with a spin on the trainer to warm up, then an easy, quick footed, high cadence short run and cool down on the trainer. Gradually increase.
I have been dealing with a pulled soleous for a few weeks, I am basically pain free right now but am going to take just a bit more time before I run again to make sure. Here is what I have been doing and it seems to be working.
-compression socks, all day long and while riding
-wearing a pair of running shoes at work all day (i’m on my feet, I teach)
-Icing
-stretching with a pro stretch
-the stick here and there
-Tp massage kit
-rest
-rest
-rest
-make sure to get in some extra quality trainer workouts so I don;t lose fitness.
I’d do what Dick and Ironlobo are suggestions except I would see a PT or Chiro or massage therapist to work out your injury instead of self-massage. it will heal much faster with proper work. Find someone who is experienced with elite runner’s. They will know what to do. I would not use heel cups unless you see an podiatrist (who also works with elite runners) and that is what they suggest.
Work through it, you will come out better in the end and stronger.
Scott
My wife swears by Thai massage, for her injuries. Apparently, it hurts like hell, but it feels so good afterward. Kinda like have a hot poker removed from your body, I guess.
Agree with McLovin - see a chiro who does ART and/or Graston, or a massage therapist who does deep tissue work. The treatment they provide is going to hurt like a mofo as it is being done (especially if they are breaking up scar tissue or adhesions) but it will help treat the injury faster. If you do go this route, another suggestion for afterwards is having them tape you with kinesotape. I had a major calf pull about a month before the Boston Marathon a few years back and the ART/Graston/kinsesotape combo worked for me, only missed about three days of running and was still able to do my last long runs as well as the race.
Hope this helps, good luck!
I am dealing with a calf strain as well. Injured 10 days before IMFL, rested in hope it would be okay for the IM and then at mile 9 it strained again pretty badly again.
Here’s what worked for me:
I think mine was pretty bad. I couldn’t cycle without pain and I had reduced strength as well. I didn’t run at all for 8 weeks after my IM. I am now only running at total of 12 minutes doing a 2 min run 1 min walk. And I don’t try to do that but 2 times a week. However, the past week has been just about pain free. I am excited and will try to run some tonight.
Good Luck…
Water, The Stick, Stretching, and search for “Calf Heart Attack” on Google…
I’ve been in Physical therapy x 4 months for almost same problem.Severe pain in calf,which turned my r lower leg numb.Found out that I have adhesions from a meniscus surgery .The fluid accumulation around my knee and behind was the cause.Deep tissue manipulation 2xweek,which hurts much less,now.Believe me ,I was crying into my pillow .Have the bruises to show off.Have to do a lot of careful stretching,especially calves,but first must do ,is nerve stretching.I’m on a rehab running programm,which started at 1 mile every other day.If pain during the run,stop…if pain after the run,decrease next run by 50%.I’m at 5 miles every other day,now.Foamroller for hemstrings,quads and glutteus,rollerstick and ice for calf and knee.
In other words seek profesional help.
Search this site and letsrun.com on calf strain. I’ve found a lot of good info both places.
If you use the heel cups make sure you don’t use them when you are not running. Studies have shown people who use elevated heel shoes for most of their walking will have a shortened achilles leading to further foot and calf injuries. Find some compfortable flat shoes for your daily walking. Especially bad for women that wear high heels all the time.
Have you tried Graston technique? It is perfect, but painful, for breaking up those adhesions. It got me going after 2 years of trying to find a therapy that worked(including deep tissue).
Not sure what the technique is called,will check with my Pt.I spent so much time besides training,working on stretching,rolling,strengthening exercises,not even funny.BUT whatever it takes…Right now the main issue is the nerve stretching what understood nerves don’t like to be stretched.I do a bit too much they will regress and my numb leg will return.When I first started
my calves were measured left 0 and left (-) 2 days ago I was at 14 left and 10 on right.Ideally I need to be at 20.
Not a lot of people have heard of this, and I’m sure the strict medical community is a bit skeptical, but my guy had worked on Olympic Gold Medal Speed Skater, so was exceptional. They virtually scrape the muscle fascia with special stainless steel tools. Sounds medieval, and hurts like hell, but immediately after the treatment, my calf was noticeably better. The bruising helps healing, and after a few treatments I am running again, as if nothing happened. He also completely cured my son’s wrist problem, which 3 doctors could help. I sure would look very closely into it if I were you.
Ooohh yaaahhhh,she ran this metall handlebar over my hemstring.Agonizing pain,but it felt better,except for the huge bruise I had after.
Shiley Sports Center is where I get my Pt done.The Sportsmedicine Doc,works for the Olympic Teams,so he was highly recommended to me,he then recommended to go to this one PT only,and no one else…
Well, at least know that you will be back. I’m enjoying the training much more after it being taken away for a while. Good luck, and stay with it. It is sweeter than before.