Painful calves

[BoDiddley]

Every time I stop and rest, be it having a coffee or sleeping, when I move again the back of my legs hurt. Once moving they are fine. They did this before I started to run, I thought running might help but after 5 weeks they still hurt after a short break. Any ideas?

[Papillon17 Graduate]

Does it feel like cramp as I suffered early on with calf muscles feeling like I had cramp all the time. Some one said it’s lack of potassium and to eat several. Bananas a day and drink plenty of water. Made all the difference did not suffer again. Running regularly 4 - 6 miles a run.

[Hidden]

Calf Stretches, hamstring stretches might help.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

See my reply😉

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Head across to Strength and Flex forum..lots of calf exercises there..

healthunlocked.com/strength.......

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Lots of excellent advice already given but just to add, a soak in an Epsom salt bath 🛀 after a run, is a very helpful addition to bananas, for absorbing potassium.

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Follow Oldfloss advice but in meantime try gently rubbing them each time before you stand - it's like you are giving them a warning they have to wake up and work for you

[BoDiddley]

Thanks for the advice. I love bananas so I’ll give that a try. The problem existed long before decided to run and it’s not getting any worse. If I stretch my muscles by putting my feet at 45 degree angle before I stand it helps.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Do you religiously stretch immediately after each and every run, while muscles are still warm and supple?

This pulls out contractions and avoids carrying them into the next run. It also boosts recovery by improving blood flow.