Calf problems / foam rollers

[siabod]

I have had a roller for three days now. Two days ago wk5r2 went really well until the warm down walk, right calf tightened up and became so painful i had to hobble back to the car. used the roller at home tension eased. Used the roller twice yesterday on my rest day. Lot of tender spots in my right calf when i rolled it this morning pre run.

So i started wk5r3 very warily yet it went great, touch-wood, no problems with the run or the warm down walk. Early days but I guess I am a fan of foam rollers now. I have ordered a stick shaped muscle massager now as it looks like it might be easier to use.

Anyone starting out and having calf problems I would definitely give foam rollers a try.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Can I also recommend calf stretches, among other general stretcing after the warm down walk: nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Also, I have found heat pads, currently £1.00 for a packet of two in poundland, to be a godsend. They radiate heat for 8-10 hours.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

One of my physios (I've had a few 🙂) suggested using a heat pad or a hot bath first and then foam rolling. It does help especially with tight calves.

[siabod Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks, I haven't got a bath, I have thought a good hot soak would be nice since i started. I use a hot water bottle but only just now putting it all together with the massage, results are promising.

[siabod Graduate in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks , I use a hot water bottle, but happy to try anything!

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to siabod]

Whatever works for you, but the advantage of the heat pad is it doesn't go cold after 20mins.