Sore calf muscle

[Nicky2603]

I am week four run one managed to complete it but very sore calf muscle. Rested for two days and could not complete run 2. Been told to get a calf foam roller. Very disappointed as really enjoying it and can feel benefits of running. Any advice for sore calf?

[Beatlesforever Graduate]

That must be so frustrating. My only suggestions are rest and stretching after exercise. Make sure you don't go back to running too soon though, you don't want to risk a bad injury.

[Nicky2603 Graduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thank you I have been stretching and trying to rest. I have never run before I have realised it’s something I really enjoy. Can’t wait to get back.

[Beatlesforever Graduate in reply to Nicky2603]

Hope your calf heals soon!

[SandraY1 Graduate]

If you don’t everything, rest & stretching before and after your runs. It would suggest foam rolling, it really works. If you don’t have roller yet you can get the same effect with a can of beans or soup. What you do is you place the can at your ankle and roll the can upwards towards the back of your knee. Holding yourself up on your hands. Do the roll slowly concentrating on the area that is sore. Don’t forget the sides of your calf’s as well. I use this method when I popped an area on my calf after a run and had to stop running straightaway as could barely walk.

[Nicky2603 Graduate in reply to SandraY1]

Thank you going to start this. I have been looking at foam rollers but over a weeks delivery time. I actually felt I was getting somewhere and had noticed fitness improving. Going to try this now.

[Whizzy23]

I was on week 9 and my calf twinged, I rested for 3 days and tried again but it went a mile in and I had to stop on the spot and limp home 🙁 I rested a week and it went again whilst I was only walking, I’m 3 weeks in and only just dare to walk out of normal duty, walked only 2 miles yesterday and could still feel it. I was naive when it came to calf strain but I know now I should never have ran 3 days after it was sore.

I’m looking at another 2 weeks before I dare try again, I warm up and always warmed down, I have a foam roller and ice packs (normally for my ankles) I just literally did too much (I was running off programme too) my advice is you have to let it fully heal before attempting to use it again and look specifically at strengthening that calf muscle with exercises as sadly it can be a reoccurring injury.

You can cycle and swim to help too.

Be patience & Good luck

[Nicky2603 Graduate]

Thank you for that I am going to let it heal gutted I can’t run unfortunately do not have a bike. But will be doing strengthening exercises. Appreciate the advice.