Painful calves and feet: I am 6ft tall 97kg. I... - Bridge to 10K

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Painful calves and feet

dhmdecor profile image
26 Replies

I am 6ft tall 97kg. I followed the C25k and do 4km so steady 7.5 kph pace. Problem is my lower calves and feet are painful. I do the warm up warm down and stretch after, but not before the run. I have good ASIC gel running shoes. Any ideas how to stop the pain as it is spoiling the pleasure. Sometimes the pain goes away after 10 Minutes, but often it is there for the whole run. I’m grateful not to have the knee and back and other pain some people have but would love a solution

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dhmdecor
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26 Replies
GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10

This is definitely something you need to look into fully. A trip to a physio is probably best.

You don't say if the pain is only during the run, or before as well. You may just have tight calves and need a good massage...

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Thank you for your reply. The pain is only whilst running. Is the physio before running or after ?

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10 in reply todhmdecor

A visit to a physiotherapist would be ideally before your next run...

Are you stretching after every run?

As OldFloss has recommended you wouldn't go wrong having a look at specific exercises to help these areas

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

Head across to S and F forum..pinned lists there with exercise links for Feet and ankles and calves...

But...real pain makes running a no go so maybe as Jo suggests get checked out first

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toOldfloss

Great, I will do that now. Thank you for your help.

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toOldfloss

What is S and F forum. I googled it and found shakes and fidgets. Am I being dense ?

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply todhmdecor

The s&f forum is available on healthunlocked same as this and c25k forum hope that helps you find it click on search on this screen and enter s&f or strength and flex

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toGrannyhugs

Found it. Strength and Flex. Now following. Thanks

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply todhmdecor

Great, this has great ideas too, probably link on s&f also nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h...

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toGrannyhugs

Thank you Grannytobe. You have been very helpful and your help is very much appreciated.

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10 in reply todhmdecor

My pleasure. You will be passing the same onto others another day. Happy running

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toGrannyhugs

Thanks you x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply todhmdecor

healthunlocked.com/strength...

ha ha!!!

Astra5 profile image
Astra5Graduate10

I know everyone is different so get it checked out. I know this will sound daft with a seasoned runner but do you drink enough especially the day before you run? My calf pains “when running” disappeared once I got into the habit of making sure I drank more water and passed the urine test before running.

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toAstra5

Thank you. I probably don’t drink enough water. I will try your suggestion. I assume there was a typo and we should to pass urine JUST before running LOL.

Astra5 profile image
Astra5Graduate10 in reply todhmdecor

I actually make sure it is clearish the night before and that seems to work for me. I do drink decaf coffee in the mornings and always give it 2 hours after eating before going out.

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toAstra5

Oops, sorry. Just had a picture of everyone having to have their urine tested before a park run which appealed to my silly sense of humour.

Astra5 profile image
Astra5Graduate10

Haha, never done a park run (not my thing)

I get this I stretch my calves 1-2 times daily, plus use a towel to stretch the bottom of my feet (look it up) I also use compression sock from Fit Nation, you can get them on amazon. They are great for dulling the pain.

You might need to see your doctor and get a referral to a specialist if the pain continues.

Also, dynamic stretches before you run and static stretches when you finish.

Take care.

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina

Just a thought: try a slow run about 9 mins/km. See if that helps.

I got Achilles pain after doing a personal best 5k and had to slow down after 2 weeks recovering.

Then went slow for two months. Now starting to pick up speed again. Feeling it in calves but in a good way now!

Good luck

PB

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toprimaballerina

Thank you for your advice

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

Sounds like you need some specialist advice to me. I am a huge yoga fan which I do before and often after a run. This has helped me manage all manner of niggles. I hope it eases soon.

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply toju-ju-

Thank you.

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10

All the advice here is good, didn't see if anyone mentioned a foam roller...you can get them for a tenner and they've helped me now I'm running a bit further.

Good luck sorting it 👍😀

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor

Thank you. Yes I went to a running shop and brought a sort of pimply roller. It does feel very nice. I am followinprevious advice re drinking water and plenty of stretching too. Things were definately better on my 30 minute run today. Looking forward to my first event which is the Escalade in Geneva. Only 3.,8 miles but cobbled anda few hills apparently

dhmdecor profile image
dhmdecor in reply todhmdecor

Thank you all for your advice. I have followed it and my calf pain has gone. I did my first 5K park run in Divonne France last week. No pain and I am very happy with my time of 37:36. I plan to do the Escalade in Geneva on 30 November. It is only 3.8 k but on cobbles and lots of hills so I reckon a 5k équivalent. This is such a great site. Everton is so positive. I really enjoy reading the encouragent given .

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