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calf strain

about 5mi into morning run felt calf pain coming on. Got worse over the next few min so I shut it down and got a ride home.

It is sore when pushed on right where the large inside muscle of the calf meets the rest of the lower leg. Raising up on to my toes would hurt.

Any idea how long I am out?

Comments

  • Jimmy - check some of the past threads "Yet another calf issue" started by WSM Nemo. Lots of information on calf related issues. Also "mad calf disease" is another good search.
  • Jimmy,

    This happened to me in January and I was out a total of 6 weeks.  I originally took 1.5 weeks off and tried running and that didn't work.  Went to the Dr and he said 4 weeks no running but I could swim and bike as long as there was no pain, which there wasn't.  My pain was in my calf, especially when I would push off walk up stairs.  It was painful for me to flew my foot for about 2 days then it was fine.  Hope this helps, just my scenario.

    Chris

  • Been there. Several times.

    Some quick notes from my history.

    If you try to run with it, even to 'test it out', before it's healed, it will get worse.

    If you don't let it heal completely, you will cost yourself several (4, 6, 8, 10?) weeks of the run portion of your season.

    It is not always a tear (strain) in the calf. There are some tendonitis things that could do this, too. But, still apply these ^ until you are in the clear. This one gets a separate thread b/c there are gait changes that can make this better almost instantly.

    Once you tear (strain) a calf, you are prone to doing it again. It is your new friend. Respect it.

    Different therapies out there. But, for right now, rest it up. Bike and swim.

    I think you have a HIM coming up so look into the pool running stuff in the wiki. that might be something to consider.
  • thanks all! wait and see wait and see.
    Sounds like do nothing that hurts and don't try and come back too soon.

    Yes chris I am signed up for Galveston at the end of April but if I am not clear of this in the next few weeks I'll just have to let it go.

    I have had great results with Arrosti (I think it is a lot like ART) and will try and get in there next week. Not running should free up a little time!
    In the mean time I am just wrapping the OS, did Coz at the end of november so I feel good about the running in my legs and truthfully some time off from running won't be so bad. Weather is just starting to turn here and my bike is calling and the swim ALWAYS needs work!
    Onward.
  • I'm probably a little too dramatic with the discussions over AT and calf probs. Thus, my signature line. 4 yrs in a row. Got way too much experience with this one.

    if it persists, let me know if I can answer any questions or just be a sounding board for frustrations.
  • good point chris. i would expect that the folks who tweaked a calf but it went away a day or two later would not be the ones who respond to a post like mine.
    24 hrs later, i am thinking that I might be really really lucky. The pain had moved up the calf a bit and i can walk without barely any triggering of discomfort. Day by day of course but my gut is telling me that this is gone in a week. Skipping the rest of that run yesterday morning and calling wife to pick me up `might have been the best decision that Ive made in a while.
  • I'm going to go down the path of hydration/nutrition and say that when you fix that, the calf issue will be a non-issue.

    If you are staying in your zones and ahead of your hydration/sodium plan......you should be good given the amount of training volume leading up to this point.

    Looking forward to watching you take care of business in Galveston!

    SS

  • Hey Jimmy just a note to say a couple of things here. Most importantly listen very carefuly to your calf pain receptors. I have lived through many episodes of calf injuries over the years. I have done simple quick rehab to focused rehab on my calves from rest to stretch, strength, and ART etc. I would go into detail but your second last post is key and true. Focus on other non straining calve exercise and rehab those bad boys.
  • my calf strain continues to improve but the pace of improvement has slowed. i am walking like nothing happened and have done 2x2hr trainer sessions yesterday and today with no problem. Found myself jogging after my 5 year old today and that set it off just enough to get my attention.
    baby steps. I give it another week.
  • I ran yesterday. On the treadmill incase something hurt. Started at z1 (10min / mi) and stayed there for maybe 15 min then each min I increased the pace on the TM by .1mph till i was just under 8min/mi.
    I would rate the discomfort as a 2. What is most important is that the pain did not increase and infact I feel like I was more comfortable at the faster paces.
    More good news - a day later and there is no soreness walking.
    I have a brick scheduled for tomorrow that I plan to go ahead and do. I will just pay attention and be willing to shut down if need be.
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