Calf pain

[Jeni1609]

A bit disheartened as I couldn’t finish w1r2 because my calves were hurting, I would have pushed through but I have a hockey game this afternoon and don’t think my team would be best pleased with me if I couldn’t move.

Does anyone have any stretching tips and also should I redo the run on Monday or go on to r3?

[RobW73 Graduate]

Hi,

Sorry to hear that.

Did it happen before, or during the session?

There are calf stretches you can do,such as leaning forward towards a wall while keeping your foot flat on the floor.

You could try a foam roller, if you have access to one.

Does your hockey club have a physio that you could use, if you wanted a professional checkup?

[Jeni1609 in reply to RobW73]

They were stiff before the run but went stiff halfway through, I usually were ankle supports and forgot this morning so not sure if that affected anything.

No physio at the hockey club and looking at amazon for a foam roller now

[RobW73 Graduate in reply to Jeni1609]

I play Touch, which is a lot of sprint work, therefore I run a lot on the balls of the feet. It is possible that you've just built up a lot of tension on them without knowing.

I get a deep tissue massage periodically from a qualified sports massage therapist. The only time I ever had to ask to stop for a second was on my calf; it felt like cramp! I had no idea it was that tight.

After a tournament last year, I was at a team mate's converted she'd, where he had some gym equipment. He showed me the roller. I tried it and couldn't believe how much it hurt! But, I must have been tight again and it will have saved me down the line.

Do you have a sports shop near you that might sell them? You could always see if you could try one, assuming they sell them.

With your hockey and running, I would recommend deep tissue massage. I enjoy the benefits, even if it is uncomfortable at the time. But maybe I am just a masochist, or just like knowing that it is doing me some good...

Good luck with the calves and your programme.

[Hidden in reply to Jeni1609]

Hi Jeni, do you have a partner?

If yes, have them massage your calves with baby oil after every run as well as your stretches. Baby oil is cheaper than a foam roller😉