Calf pain

[Beautybabe49]

During the last part of my run I experienced a pain in my left calf. Never had before. I carried on to finish my run but it was painful. I do wear compression sleeves so never normally have pain. I usually do a 6k run 3 times a wk. Should I now be avoiding running for a wk to rest the leg and do home exercises ie yoga at home? It’s a bit painful when walking on it. Feels very tight. Tried Voltarol gel and Arnica but they aren’t helping. So looking for some advice. Thanks.

[nowster Graduate10]

Is the pain at the front (shin) or back (calf)? Is it near the knee or near the ankle or in the middle?

[Beautybabe49 in reply to nowster]

It’s back calf nearest to the knee

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Beautybabe49]

Rest now. If things don't improve over a few days, it would be a good idea to seek professional medical help (eg. physio).

If it's muscular, it should ease off. If it's a tendon or ligament, that can take a few weeks to sort itself out, and may swell up before it gets better.

You need someone to prod and poke in the right spots who knows how to tell the difference.

[Beautybabe49 in reply to nowster]

Thanks for your help.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Sorry to here this, what post run stretching are you doing for your calf’s? Eg try standing with heals over a step and let heals drop down or use a foam roller on them

[Beautybabe49 in reply to Grannyhugs]

I do usual calf stretches. I have tried lifting one leg up and standing on my toes on the other foot but it’s quite painful doing this on my left leg. Haven’t done the step one, will try now

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Beautybabe49]

These are all round great runners stretches for after a run. If anything hurts stop doing it. If pain persists seek professional help from a sports physio. Good luck 🤗

[Beautybabe49 in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks for your help x

[Beautybabe49]

I can do the step stretch but it’s still painful. It’s quite painful going down the stairs. I have some spiky balls and a roller so will try these later and see if they help. Never had this before. I’m at work for next couple of days so will see what it’s like on Friday as due to run then but may give it a miss if it’s still painful.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Sounds as though you have may have strained a muscle (assuming theres no bruising which would indicate a tear). Rest and ice should help but of course we are not medically trained on here so your Gp or a good sports physio will be able to diagnose properly.

This NHS page may be of help - hope it settles and you’re back out there soon.🤞🙂

nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-a...

[Beautybabe49 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks, no bruising so that’s good. It’s not as bad as it was earlier so hopefully it will be better soon.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Beautybabe49]

🤞for you.🙂

[CBDB Graduate10]

Oh no!!! Sending you get well ❤️‍🩹 wishes and a card 🙂.

Also, if you ever want to pop over to our Strength and Flex forum, feel free. It’s great to get ideas for cross training and also helps with finding ways forward to strengthen any weak areas.

We do a daily yoga as well, which is great for running.

It’s run by the same admin teams that support these running forums.

See healthunlocked.com/strength...

Get well, soon card!

[Beautybabe49 in reply to CBDB]

Thank you, it’s a lot better today, will miss my next run to give it time to heal.

[Kipperrun Graduate10]

I feel your pain - literally. After 15 months of injury-free running, starting with C25K and graduating to 10Ks, I got a pain in my calf. But it didn’t happen when I was running, but when I was Morris dancing!! It’s pretty energetic exercise with jumps and changes of direction etc. Towards the end of practice on Monday evening I suddenly felt this pain in my right calf. I sat out the rest of the session. Since then it’s been rest, ice and the massage gun! All of which has improved the situation. I’ve booked a physio appointment, but the firsts available slot is next Tuesday. So in the meantime no running - boo hoo. I’m doing a bit of walking the dog - we respite board guide dogs - but that’s it at the moment.

Thanks to everyone else for sharing their advice. I hope it’s helping you, it certainly is me. Take care.

[Beautybabe49 in reply to Kipperrun]

Thank you. It does seem better today so hoping it will be back to normal in a few days.