Calf pain after running

[Tommy Winchester]

Evening all,

I took up running a few weeks ago, all is going well. I do seem to find that I develop 'pain' in my calfs (sp?), kind of like cramp but continuous.

Its holding me back and being an absolute pain!

Can anyone recommend anything to try to fix it? any specific stretches of anything else?

Cheers,

[Acehood]

I get this too. I think it's just muscles not being very flexible. If I walk for 5-10mins before running it doesn't seem quite as bad.

[Slagathore]

Does it only happen after you've finished running?

Do you warm up properly?

As has been said on here many times - never underestimate how important warming up and down is and how important stretching is.

Don't do any static stretching before warming up, but do plenty after the run.

It could just be DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). If you've upped the intensity or mileage, you may be overdoing it a bit?

Did you have your trainers fitted properly?

I'd also recommend having a sports massage every now and then to refresh the legs. I had problems with my lower legs, decent sports massage definitely helps, but would not get rid of the problem for ever.

[Jer_1974]

I used to get this when I first took up running. It felt like I had lead in my calfs. Keep going it will get better.

[Tommy Winchester]

Cheers guys,

I do warm up before and then stretch after/during - will probably do a bit more of this and see if it improves.

[jenpot]

Are you eating banananananananana? I get calf cramps and it was suggested more potassium would help, hence the bananas?

[Tommy Winchester]

jenpot said:

Are you eating banananananananana? I get calf cramps and it was suggested more potassium would help, hence the bananas?

nononononononononono, ill try! cheers

[UpTheIron]

A shot in the dark, but if I wear unsuitable trainers (with insufficient arch support) I get a similar problem as I run on the outside of my foot to keep the weight off my unsupported arch.

[Beardy10]

Calves are bloody hard to stretch as they are a very strong muscle it can take a long time to really get any benefit. They're obviously attached to the achilles which is in itself massively strong so they have to be! I'd do a few mins gentle warm up then do a really good stretch session with two or three different calf stretches plus everything else....then do your run and then do all the stretching again.

I've had problems with my calves and one thing that really helped was seeing a physio who did acupuncture on some really tight areas/knots. It doesn't hurt but the muscle does spasm a bit.....it worked wonders for me. The muscle can ache for a couple of days afterwards depending on how bad your muscles are.

I'd also regularly see a sports massage person....prevention is key.

[DeputyDawg]

Beardy10 said:

I'd also regularly see a sports massage person....prevention is key.

+1 and drink plenty of fluids (water)