Some sort of calf strain?

[CrimsonMama]

Might be heading to the injury lounge! My calf just above the ankle has been tweaky for over a week. It's not pain pain. Very hard to describe. A deep ache inside? I don't know but I've been having a two day break between running and it's been ok. But yesterday my knee started tweaking too when I tried using my treadmill! I did do an hour's gentle hike yesterday morning?

Anyways, not sure how much rest to give it? I need to burn calories for weight loss so thinking I can still go for walks ? And bit of aerobics? Just not lunges as I think it might be some of those that started it in the first place. So an adaptive work out that doesn't use the calf areas too much.

But I think I will have to stop running until I don't feel any issue anymore? Boohoo! Hope I don't go backwards in my stamina/ability too much!

[purplewalker Graduate]

Hard to say and you may need a trip to docs /physio. I’m nursing something similar which put me out for several months and I’m taking it steady now but ache still there . Listen to your body and don’t push it. Good luck!

[Sir_Limpalot]

Agree with purplewalker in you should get it checked out by a physio. I’ve had a ongoing ankle injury for about 9months which sounds similar and it’s down to muscle tightness throughout my legs and back (happens a lot if you sit for long periods). I’ve found that foam rolling helps ease the pain...after the pain of foam rolling of course!!! If you’re not familiar with it there’s plenty of videos on youtube and a decent roller will set you back £10-15. Good luck

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Please do go and get it checked, it may be a minor calf tear. A sports physio' will be able to diagnose it.

The danger with other exercise, treadmill, hiking etc , is that it may aggravate the injury.

We don't lose fitness or stamina that quickly...I know you worry about your weight loss too, but if you don't get this sorted you may be on the IC for much longer.

I had a minor calf tear which I was unaware of.. but having done everything by the book and rested etc etc... I had to go to a Sports physio ultimately for treatment.

Every time I went out.. the tear was reopening.. even after ten days rest....

Please do get checked before rolling or massaging also... it may not be what is needed at this point.

It is worth finding out.

[CrimsonMama]

Boohoo 😪 I don't want to be injured! But looks like rest is gonna be best for now! 😭

[MarkyD Graduate]

Sorry to hear that CM. I'm not a medical expert, and I've not had a consultation with you, but what you describe sounds like achilles tendonisis. If you can afford it, make an appointment with your local sports physiotherapist (expect to pay about £60 for the first appointment - same cost as running shoes). It will be important to understand why you've got the dull pain, and what you can do about it.

I just answered a question about achilles tendonosis and the treatment comes down to stretching. You will probably be advised to cycle and walk daily, and do daily stretches. It won't simply get better on its own if you rest it and stop running.

[CrimsonMama in reply to MarkyD]

Yes does sound like achilles tendonisis. Thank you!

This morning I went for a walk and this afternoon a bike ride. The walk agitated it but cycling was fine unless doing a tight turn. And this evening I adapted my aerobics to only exercises that don't pull on the calf or put too much weight on it. So I got my calorie burn today! But I definitely won't try running until all tenderness is gone.

Unfortunately I can't afford to see a specialist and the physio at the GP surgery was hopeless when I saw her about my knee in the past. It "popped" out, feels like the ball of the knee comes through the ligament at the side and then back in. The physio lady didn't seem to have a clue about the anatomy of the knee and didn't say anything useful. I imagine she would just give me the general advice of R-I-C-E and no running.