Tight Calf Muscle

[FortHamilton]

I just completed W6R2 and felt a tightness in my calf muscle. I run outdoors on tarmac. Anyone any advice on anything I can do to help prevent injury. Thanks

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Make sure those muscles are well warmed up, before, running and then Stretch well after running and roll out the knots if necessary... !

therunningbug.com/fitness/t...

[FortHamilton Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss - I'll dfefinately check that out !

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to FortHamilton]

I am a bit fanatical about calf muscles, having just climbed off the IC after a calf muscle tear!

[Rignold]

foam roller daily

[MrNiceGuy]

In addition to stretching and foam rolling, also seek to strengthen your calves, through the inclusion of calf raises, taking 2-3 seconds to lower the heels during each repetition.

The use of body weight will initially suffice, but if you also have a gym membership, use the calf machines. Don't worry, the machine will nearly always be free, since the majority of gym users don't even bother to exercise their calves.

[Theziggy Graduate]

Should the foam roller be used after running or can/should it be used on the calves every day regardless of whether you have ran or not?

[bareliz]

That's interesting. My right calf muscle gets a little tight during a run but strangely my left is OK. I'm fine afterwards but I do a little bit of yoga which includes stretching the claves - and the back.