Calf pain

[Cookacake]

My calves start hurting about half way through my run (I only do about 5k). I stretch them before my run. I completed Couch to 5k in June, and try to run 3 times a week. I tried resting for a few days but no good.

Anyone got any advice?

[a_in_gsr Graduate10]

Have they always hurt when you run, or have you recently upped your pace / mileage? If it's the latter, then maybe the muscles are readjusting to needing to give more output? In which case maybe try some strengthening exercises.

If not, I'd suggest making sure your form is correct, especially with how much pressure you are putting into your feet when you run.

Lastly, I think it is no longer recommended to stretch before running? Instead maybe try warming up - squats, lunges, walking; and then stretching your muscles out afterwards.

[Cookacake in reply to a_in_gsr]

They didn't seem to hurt when I did Couch to 5k, but I suppose that wasn't running so far.

[nowster Graduate10]

As a_in_gsr said, exercises before, stretches after. Some good ones include simply rocking back on your heels and up on your toes and back a few times can help. Step edge raises are good too.

[Hidden]

Calf compression sleeves ✅ worked for me, or at least they are so far 👍

[RunBrianRun Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yep. Compression sleeves followed by a really good static stretch after the run and then the magic ingredient- ice. It’s the ice that really helps me above all else.

[Cookacake]

That's great advice, I'll try some exercises before and stretches afterwards. If that doesn't work, compression sleeves it is! Thanks very much.

[Steady_Stevve]

I've had calf problems and I now use calf sleeves, try to do regular calf strengthening exercises and try to put extra rest days in. It is all working well so far.

[Nicky2603 60minGraduate]

I totally recommend the compression sleeves I bought a cheap pair from amazon and they are amazing. I do squats and 5 min brisk walk before a run and then stretch out afterwards and sometimes use a foam roller. I hurt my calf doing couch to 5k and had to rest for a couple of weeks which drove me mad so make sure I stretch properly afterwards. Good luck