Calf Strain

[FranFran]

Wondering if anyone has had similar experience, or might have tips etc-

I strained my calf Jan 2022. Spent 2022 in ~10 week cycles of rehabilitating it, then having it recur which I can only think was when I overdid things- walking a bit too far etc. Since 2023 its been harder to get over that initial painful cycle, it still being achy even after 6-8 weeks of physio.

I've had multiple scans and been through several physios now. I think at this point I have a good range of exercises spanning the initial stages through to more strenuous stretches in the latter weeks. I'm not exercising particularly, just a small amount of walking (3 - 4k steps per day max), using ibuprofen gel and compression sleeves.

Having had it breakdown again I'm a little despondent that I'll ever get over this. As you can imagine, life sucks spending most of your time in a chair.

Any guidance welcome

[spikeyhead]

I've torn mine twice this year.

Either cycling or an elliptic cross trainer to get some blood flowing, and targeted stretching

[MC Bodge]

I had recurring calf strain problems through my 30s. I visited physics numerous times and tried various rehab methods.

Skipping with a rope seemed to help me. I now skip as part of my warmup before training.

I'm still active, but I don't get calf problems in my mid 40s.

[Twentyfour7]

Have you thought of acupuncture ?

https://www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk/Patients/Fin...

[roboxm3]

I had reoccurring Soleus strain when transitioning to forefoot running and increasing distances/frequency.

I saw a physio numerous times and had deep tissue massages etc. which worked for a short while but it would always come back.

The only thing that *really* worked for me was the suction cup treatment which kept issues at bay for years, right up until I changed to Vibrams/barefoot runners recently.

Now I seem to be back in the same injury cycle and I imaginer the only thing that will fix it again is the suction cup treatment, which I'll definitely be having again...when I get round to it...