W8 R2 injury

[MrsDC51]

I've pulled my calf muscle doing tonight's run. Perhaps I should have stopped but I really didn't want to. I've put ice in my calf by what else should I do and what about my next run? Should I rest? How long for?

All advice welcome. Thank you

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

If it's just a slight strain - a few days and you'll be fine but muscle tears can take a lot longer depending on the severity, so make sure you let it settle before returning. Learning to differentiate between a niggle that we can run through and an injury takes time but some times a little caution is a good thing - the injury couch is a lonely and frustrating place to be! Hope you're back soon.😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Tough!

We live and learn and generally we learn to be very cautious with potential injuries. Time on the injury couch teaches us to avoid going back there.

You probably should have stopped.

R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

You need to keep the injured part Rested but mobile, so now the acronym MICE is often used, but don't overdo it.

Ice (frozen peas etc) should be applied through a towel or cloth for a few minutes, then removed and repeated a few minutes later.

Compression is pressure that can be applied by compression sleeves or similar to the affected area.

Elevation.......put your feet up.

This is runner's first aid. Google it for more precise details. Runnersworld.com is a good place to visit.

See how you are tomorrow and then decide if you need professional advice.

Don't be tempted to run again until your calf is fully recovered. How long is piece of string territory.

You will be back and you will graduate, but it may have to wait a little while.

Best wishes and commiserations.

[MrsDC51]

Thanks for the advice. Fingers crossed

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

If you check my past posts... you will rest

At least a week, with no running... and then.... after some exercises for the calf.. done gently, try a little run..if it still twinges..get it checked out.

Honestly... I was such a long time on the IC, it is sensible to just rest up...then see how you go!

[ejvcruns Graduate]

Noooooo! But yes, RICE, and make sure it's healed before you go out again. Do you know what caused it?

[MrsDC51]

Thank you all for your advice. The peas have been in action tonight! Hopefully it won't be too bad but I'm going to take it easy.

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

What IannodaTruffe said exactly. The mobile bit means keep you knee and ankle moving but don't stretch the calf yet - do this with you foot up. Hope you recover soon, go gently next time.