Calf muscle pain ?soleus?

[guy909uk]

O.k, that sounds great advice. Thanks again

[Graham32UK]

Hi Guy,

Just read about your problem. I have a similar problem myself which I have actually seen a physio about. The advice I got was very similar to what you've had. It is important to do the exercises and stretches really regularly. My problem has gone on and on, I think because I haven't done enough strengthening work.

I see is was a few days since your last post. How are you getting on?

[guy909uk]

Hi Graham,
Thanks for your post. Reassuring that I'm not struggling alone!!

Things were going well actually. I managed to complete 3 sets of 10 for both straight and bend calf raises. Unfortunately I went swimming yesturday and pushed a little harder than previously and seem to have gone backwards (very frustrating). The calf is more sore today and the sharp pain in more prominent than before yesturday. I find it frustrating because I feel like I need to push on in order to get back to running and eventually rugby, although when I do, I seem to slip backwards! Perhaps I just need to keep pushing on? Or give the strengthening longer?

Sorry for my ramblings, nice to voice them now and again!! I am trying to stay positive with this. Presumably you've had a similar thing? How are you going?

Cheers,
Guy

[guy909uk]

Just wondering how often you have been told to do the excersises and stretching? Have you been advised to steer away from anything? I realise that I should go "upto the pain, but not throught it". Presumerably this is what I should continue doing?

[Graham32UK]

Sorry to hear you've taken a step backwards. I did that on sunday - after steering clear of running for a few weeks and doing most of the exercises I'd been told to do. It was pretty depressing. Having said that I still think that taking it easy is the best policy because I was feeling pretty good. I just think that I did a bit too much too it first time I tested my calves out. I probably could've been more disciplined with the stretching and strengthening over the last few weeks as well.

I was told to strectch very gently, 3 times a day - holding each stretch for about 30 secs, repeated 3 times. Stretch to the point of slight resistance rather than a little bit of pain. As far as strengthening is concerned I think it was just once a day but to do straight leg calf raises off a 2 inch step so that the heels go below horizontal. I've been able to do 20 - 25 raises but I think thats because they work the gastrocs more than the soleus (where my problem is). Having read up a bit more on this I think I'm going to try bent leg raises once my soreness has settled down as thats supposed to work the soleus more.

I was told to avoid running for a few weeks which would prevent another 'flare-up' and allow the strengthening to work.

It's frustrating to be restricted isn't it? Running is what I like most but I've only done that on a couple of occasions since my problem started in early April! I've made do with cycling and the gym so long as I'm careful. It's kept me in decent condition but dreams of running long distances feel a long way off right now.

Have you been to see a physio? I found it helpful in understanding the problem and how to put it right. I had 3 sessions and didn't get any change out of 100 quid but the way I look at it is that running is a cheap hobby, if it costs me £100 to get me back to it then so be it. Sadly there doesn't seem to be a quick fix though. My plan is to resist testing them out for a couple of weeks and to be really disciplined with the stretching and strengthening. Oh and I might even pray a few times too! We'll have to share progress reports now and then.

[guy909uk]

Cheers for your post Graham. Good to see someone is in the same boat. I have seen a physio informally who suggested that stretching and strengthening was the order of the day.
Am I right in assuming that this is an overuse injury?
Hope the "rest" period is bearable. I'm off to watch the Tour de France tomorrow and will be very jealous of all the cyclists belting along through central London. Nevermind, hopefully not too long to go now!
Cheers,
Guy

[guy909uk]

How are you getting on Graham?