What’s this niggle now?!!

[Oilandwater]

Hello!

So, yet again my body has started to complain. I’m grateful that I’ve not had anything major but my body is obviously reluctantly settling into running and wants me to know it’s not happy about it.

I currently have this rather hard to describe ache/pain in my calf. It’s Sort of around my Achilles’ tendon (I think) but it also runs down the inner part of my leg towards my ankle. It’s just feel really tight but given it’s position I just have no idea what stretches could help it out. I’m aware of it when I’m just walking also, when running the other day it seemed to ease up after a few minutes.

Does anyone know if this is a common running issue, just wondering if it has a name for me to investigate how to ease it.

TIA X

I’ve popped a photo up with some arrow lines where I think the pain is coming from. Hard to tell exactly as it when I’ll in motion that it hurts.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan.

Many people do not hold their stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.

If it is Achilles/ calf the some regular heel drops, while standing on a step will probably help.

[nowster Graduate]

It could be one of many things. Often the problem is felt at a different location to the injury.

Add in a few extra rest days. If it persists, see someone about it.

[Crolla]

I've started to get this. It's at the side on the inner part of the calf/shin, yes? It's quite hard to find a stretch that helps that particular area, but what I've made sure I do is all the stretches for shins/calves after a run, and then a massage when I get back. It's generally fine after the days rest for the next run, but sometimes I've taken an extra day before going out again. Maybe try ankle rotations as well? Hope it clears up for you.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Crolla]

Have you tried this? Stand with your forefoot on the edge of a step while holding on to something, then lower your heels down as far as they will go, then push up until you're on your tiptoes, then lower again.

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to nowster]

... and you can also vary this excellent stretch by angling your feet ‘in’ or ‘out’ to target different parts of the calf area!

[Crolla in reply to QuadroVEINia]

Thank you. I'll try this.

[Crolla in reply to nowster]

Thank you!

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

You can self massage that I reckon. I have a pain there too and I use the deep tissue cross muscle massage technique as described by Bob and Brad ( YouTube) it hurts but it feels so goooood 😎 Ice helps straight after a run (or hold it under a cold shower for 5 minutes on and off during your post run shower). I also use a massage gun and that seems to help too. As with all advice on here, best to see a qualified professional. I’m just a runner 😂😅

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

😊 I’ve seen that same video and been following their advice to repair my torn gastrocnemius muscle.... consultant at my hospital fully endorsed my DIY treatment and I can report it is definitely helping repair, albeit will still be a few weeks before I am back running. (I also use the pulsing massager they recommend which is a great bit of kit!!)

[Oilandwater Graduate in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks for that YouTube tip. I’llLook them up tomorrow.

I’ve started to think that I’ve actually got shin splints (and probably a unrelated right Achilles) , I woke this morning and I couldn’t lead down the stair with my left foot for the pain. Eased up throughout the day but I think I’ll need a while off running just in case I’m right.

I do own a massage gun though, currently at my dad so I’ll grab that from him soon.

I’ve just invested in some compression calf supports as I figured even if this isn’t shin splints, I am most probably going to need them at some point as I tend to run roads due to the fear of rolling an ankle (I had to give up netball as I was always injuring myself due to my crap ankles)

If all tour advice fails, I’ll be sure to pester a professional.

Thanks for your reply

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to Oilandwater]

You’re on the right path and hopefully you will be able to resolve the difficulties you are having... also from personal experience don’t discount the value of taking ‘extra’ long rest periods, if your body is complaining there is probably very good reason for that!

Good luck!

[Oilandwater Graduate in reply to QuadroVEINia]

Thanks for your advice.

I’ll stick to some weights, indoor bike and cross training for a while to keep motivation up.

Typically I had a pretty enjoyable Consolidation run on Sunday after a few tough going ones. Always the way with running and me it would seem 🤣