Calf problems.

[SteveE57]

I hope someone on here can answer why I get calf strain,if not in my left leg it's in my right. I seem to get it every other week and it is getting very frustrating and I am thinking that running is not a good exercise for me. But I love running and don't want to stop. HELP...

[sheps Graduate]

What kind of pain is it? early on in the plan - W2 I think, I pulled a muscle in my calf and couldn't run for time - I eventually went to the doctor who said it was a strain - it gets worse for 3 days and then better over 3 weeks. She was right - to the day.

I do get a tight calf muscle and make a point of really stretching it out after running which helps a lot. This is not the same thing - it feels much more positive and feels as though I have been working hard.

You need to work out whether this pain you have is because you have strained something or whether it is a normal ache from exercise.

I hope this helps - probably not.

[SteveE57 Graduate in reply to sheps]

It feels like cramp coming on while I'm running and is painful for a few days. So I am sure it is a strain as opposed to a tear.

Perhaps I should try and strengthen my calf muscles 💪.Thanks sheps.

[sheps Graduate in reply to SteveE57]

That sounds familiar - I use ice packs and stretching. As I sit, or lie in bed, I pull my toes upwards, extending the calf muscle. It seems to ease it. Should you consider a physio consultation? I don't feel the need to at the moment but I mght if it continued. I don't stretch at the beginning of the run and wonder if I should.

[SteveE57 Graduate in reply to sheps]

I have read that it is not good to stretch cold muscles, so like you I don't stretch before a run.

Thanks sheps, every days a school day.😁

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to SteveE57]

Do stretch before a run, the idea is gentle and no bouncing.

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Sounds like as pull rather than tear of a calf muscle (strain can mean either) and all I can suggest it the usual stretches and hydration. As it is every other week, and as a graduate you are probably doing your stretches, it is probably the hydration problem, so drink 3 litres of a day and see how that goes.

[SteveE57 Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

Thanks nikkiwabit, I didn't know hydration could affect muscles like that. I must confess that I don't drink enough water before and after running 🏃.

And you are correct, it is a pull rather than a tear,but very frustrating.

[sheps Graduate in reply to SteveE57]

I didn't know about that advantage of hydration, either. I'd never be able to drink 3 litres a day but I do try and drink more on a run day.

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to sheps]

It doesn't have to be water, any fluids will do.

[SteveE57 Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

I suppose beer doesn't count?😜😜

[sheps Graduate in reply to SteveE57]

Beer, no, but red wine, yes I'm sure it does.

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to sheps]

Ah more fluid in beer!

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

That is actually an interesting question. Although alcohol is a diuretic and so will dehydrate you, if you had a pint of beer, then there is more fluid than the diuretic effect of it, so it would count BUT if you have more, then there is more of a diuretic affect and then you loose the fluids benefits, then if you have even more, you become dehydrated and this is a hangover!

That fact that you asked makes me think you know this!