Calf pain during/after running...

possenti · 02-24-2006, 07:00 PM

My wife runs/walks about 2 miles on the treadmill every day. She said her calves hurt and "feel tight" at about the half mile point, and they ache for a while after she works out. She's quite used to this type of exercise, and it's not sore muscles.

I suggested she stretch better before she runs, but it doesn't seem to help. The only stretch I could recommend is the tiippy-toes thing. Are there any other stretches she could try, or any other types of warmups before she runs?

Revok · 02-25-2006, 07:15 AM

Google shin splints. It's a very common problem.

possenti · 02-25-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revok

Google shin splints. It's a very common problem.

I thought shin splints caused pain in the FRONT of the lower legs, not the back where the calves are.

Thanks, I'll look into it.

Revok · 02-25-2006, 10:03 AM

Splints hurt the entire lower leg in my experience, like I'd fallen feet-first into the gears of a ferris wheel.

If it is predominantly calf pain then it may be down to lack of stretching, inadequate footwear, or hell just the treadmill itself - it affects weird muscles particularly if set at an incline.

If it is down to insufficient stretching then the best calf stretch is to place your hands on a wall and lean at 45 degrees, keeping your foot flat on the ground. I like to hold this for about 20 seconds each leg, and repeat about 5 or 6 times during my warm up. Jumprope, bouncing on your toes and weird jumping exercises (like side to side over a punchbag/bench) will also help build up muscle density and toughen up the tissues to resist the shock of running.

Polynikes · 02-25-2006, 11:00 AM

she might have something called "exertional compartment syndrome."

look it up on google...

fix: getting cut open by an ortho and removing the chamber so the muscle can freely stretch/contract/move...

if it doesn't go away, see an orthopedic surgeon...

RizRan · 02-25-2006, 09:43 PM

How often have you been running? You could be overtraining

Girljock · 02-26-2006, 11:32 AM

Does she have GOOD running shoes?? They can make a world of difference. Go to a local running sotre where they can fit her with good shoes. Not a Foot Locker.....a store where the guys actually run and will watch her run a bit in the shoes to make a recammendation. Good luck.

Ghostrider · 02-26-2006, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revok

Splints hurt the entire lower leg in my experience, like I'd fallen feet-first into the gears of a ferris wheel.

If it is predominantly calf pain then it may be down to lack of stretching, inadequate footwear, or hell just the treadmill itself - it affects weird muscles particularly if set at an incline.

If it is down to insufficient stretching then the best calf stretch is to place your hands on a wall and lean at 45 degrees, keeping your foot flat on the ground. I like to hold this for about 20 seconds each leg, and repeat about 5 or 6 times during my warm up. Jumprope, bouncing on your toes and weird jumping exercises (like side to side over a punchbag/bench) will also help build up muscle density and toughen up the tissues to resist the shock of running.

REVOK's advice is right on the money. I would see if she has the same problem running outside. this will confrim if it is the treadmill or not. If she recently increased pace or distance this could be a problem of too much too soon or even lack of hydration especially if it is in a cold climate in your neck of the woods this time of the year.

Stretches plus a good warmup prior to running could also help the body adapt to the running program.