Any tips for crippling calf pains?

[irny]

Hullo!

I've just finished week 8 (nearly there!) but I'm still experiencing excruciating calve pains whilst running. It's not quite as bad as when I started, but it still takes 20 minutes or more for them to ease off (though they rarely fully disappear). In the meantime, it's like running with knives jammed in my legs.

My pace is glacially slow, and I think I can go faster fitness-wise, but the pain and cramping means I'm unable to even attempt it as I'm all but stumbling along like my legs are in plaster casts!

I know I've always had tight calves, so I'm trying to drink plenty, stretch before and after and sometimes of off days, and stick to fairly flat routes as hills make it even worse, but nothing seems to make much difference.

Any suggestions?

[Jaxdreamer Graduate]

Foam roller! I suffered terribly with calf pain until Rignold told me to get one - excruciating but definitely worked!

[Jaxdreamer Graduate in reply to Jaxdreamer]

Oh and I did a few heel dips every time I went up the stairs!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Roll, roll and roll again... and if it does not sort..get it checked out by a Sports Physio...

I empathise, after just climbing off the IC after several weeks...still under Physio's instructions finding my way back onto the running path!

[misswobble Graduate]

It's a strength issue. As you get stronger in your legs, which takes time, you have to take it easy

If the pain is terrible I would have a break to let them recover. Ankle drops and calf raises, foot lifts, etc are good for strengthening calves but if you have injuries I would rest up

My last calf problem took a full three weeks complete rest to sort it out, Mine felt like a sharp stabbing pain

[froggyrunner Graduate]

No suggestions but shall be following the other answers. This post sums up exactly my problem. Excruciating pain, 20 Minutes .... 😩