inner calf pain

Forgive me, but I haven't been able to find reports of similar pain to mine. I would like to see a physio, but as i am unemployed it really won't happen anytime soon. unless i get employed. fingers crossed.

The situation. I started running about 6 months ago and have gradually built up to running 12km on concrete paths. the last two weeks i have had gradually increasing pain on the lower inner calf of both legs. the pain occurs where the definition of calf muscle is very clear.

i haven't for 4 days now and i thought i'd be ok, stretching doesn't cause any discomfort and i can't feel anything abnormal until i run on the spot, then the pain comes. it's a dull pain with tightness and when it has occurred while running i have ignored it easily enough.

i am running in wave rider 13's that i got in december last year and i have run 195.7km in that time. so it shouldn't be the shoes... also i toe-strike when i run, have high arches and underpronate a little.

i did have a foot problem when i started last year using old shoes on the outside of my left foot. this pain went away when i bought new shoes.

any advice in pinpointing this problem and suggesting specific stretches and strengthening exercises would be appreciated. as would any other strategies.

thanks!

Try something like Vibram FiveFingers. They are designed to promote a natural running stride without any padding or support. This will make your feet, ankles, and calves much stronger. Start slow and keep bumping up your distance as you get stronger.

Hi

I've been having similar problems. I've been running for a few months now, doing a few 2.5m runs during the week and then a 5k race at the weekends. Since getting a proper pair of running shoes (stability running shoes as I overpronate) I've been noticing pain in my calves. It starts as soon as I start running and then becomes more dull as I run, sometimes coming back as I tire towards the end of my run. The pain seems to be in the medial aspect of each soleus. The pain actually gets better when I increase the pace at the end of the runs but I figure this may be due to me using my gastrocnemius muscles more.

The pain isn't much more than an annoyance at the moment, but I just wanted to check that it should resolve without me resting it.

Hi Leedsmedic. Correct running footwear can make a world of difference. Please feel free to look up my blog page. I have some info there on choosing the right shoes. Would also consult with a podiatrist when buying a new pair.

Hey, i've been running for six years now and around 5 miles every day, but in the past few months i've been getting the same pains. The answer could be with the way in which you run, you may be putting more weight on the inside of your feet when you run, placing more stress on the arch and inner calf. When you run next time, focus on how your feet land on the ground...it could just be that you're placing too much weight on the inside of your feet instead of the outside anhd ball of your feet. This helped with me, but you will most likely have to do some work on your calves just to help them recover and strengthen.

One way of finding out right now if you are NOT running properly is to look at the soles of your running trainers, if the tread and grooves are worn more on the inside of your step then an old injury may have had a slight impact on your running. The outside step SHOULD be worn, not the inside.

Hope this helps, you might feel the difference straight away but don't get over excited and start running marathons, take your time and work on your calves, gentle stretches etc. This was suggested to me by a friend who is a sports/fitness coach, and i can't thank him enough!