Just been diagnosed with this (deep posterior) and my consultant has suggested trying myofascial release as an option before going down the surgery route to see if it helps. Just wondering if anyone has tried this and whether it has helped? I had a course of kinaesthetic myofascial integration a few years ago which helped sort some related issues out so I am very open to giving it a go.
Bit disappointing that treatment might interrupt my programme at some point now I've finally got started (I'm on Week 4) but good to know why my calves feel like the muscles are made of iron and hurt so much - and that something can be done. Weirdly, doing the programme hasn't caused me any real problems (so far). I run on a treadmill which seems to help: walking fast on hard surfaces is horrible so I've avoided running outside so far.
Anyone got any experience of this condition and/or surgery?
Written by
nickylt
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Sorry, don't know anything about your condition but I'm very familiar with myofascial release 😩 You can do this yourself by using a foam roller but if you're considering surgery then check with your consultant first before trying this!
or a selection of balls. But for your calves then the foam roller is best.
You could also try a sports massage where the therapist finds your tight spots and releases them for you. Not a relaxing experience but does get rid of the tightness 😖
Have a look on YouTube for lessons on how best to use the foam roller or ask an instructor at a gym.
Moving forward make sure you stretch every day and not just after every run. Calve rises and drops are good and really stretch the calves.
You can also massage your own calves. Use a little oil and just get in there!
Thanks, it's an interesting one! I've been seeing the physio for a few months but the exercises actually made it worse - especially the rises/drops. The condition is where the fascia surrounding your muscle doesn't expand as the blood flows in and the pressure builds up. It can be confused with shin splints but it is actually felt further back. Mine had got a lot worse lately but I've always had some issues with my calves being super tight. I'm continuing with yoga which helps stretch things out and massage seems to relieve it temporarily. Interesting to see what happens..!
While I don't wish to be the bearer of bad news, other than a period of complete rest from running (up to 3-4 months), allowing pressure to reduce within the compartments of the lower leg, the only other treatment for the condition is surgery.
That said, in an attempt to avoid the surgeon's knife, to build strength in your legs and improve cardiovascular fitness, consider cycling as it doesn't place nearly as much effort upon the calves (as running), in addition to stretching/strengthening them, before returning to running at a slow and measured rate.
The fact that you've previously achieved relief through myofascial release isn't of great surprise, since it's the next best option to surgery in terms of treatment, but increasing the elasticity of the fascia remains important in allowing the muscle to swell during exercise.
As such, the inclusion of heel drops will both stretch and strengthen the muscles of your calves; just be sure to lower the weight over 2-3 seconds while returning to the starting position.
Although you may have conducted research into the condition, the following may also be of use: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Wow thanks for all this MrNiceGuy, that's really helpful and confirms what I suspected. Good to have another point of view. The link is really useful too, I've only had a cursory look but I'll sit down and read it thoroughly later.
I've seen a few people mention cycling and, funnily enough, I'd made the resolution to get my bike back out and hit a new seat that doesn't make me swear a couple of weeks ago. Think I'll get going on that now in preparation.
I'll have another go at the heel drops then although goodness knows I'm not looking forward to that - they make me feel as though my muscles will pop out the top of my leg!
I'm not going forward with the surgery immediately as I'm due to move house at some point and would rather not attempt that on crutches! Right it would be useful to give me some time to strengthen my muscles and get fitter first to help me recover faster. Not sure if that's actually medically accurate...
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