Calf Strain ?

Hello,i am a 49yr old mail who has been suffering with a calf problem since January this year.I was enjoying regular walks,nothing too strenuous,approx 20 minutes at a time.I usually did a bit of stretching before and after and it was during a stretch before a walk that i felt a niggling burning sensation at the top area of the left calf.I contd hoping i could "walk it off" for 10 minutes but to no avail.I carried out R.I.C.E.afterwards and rested for a week.Following that i have tried to stretch it,support,strengthen it ,rest it,massage,heat,cold,more rest etc and am now totally confused.The stretch that did the damage was lifting the heel onto a chair and keeping a straight leg placing hands onto the knee while applying a hamstring stretch.Sounds severe on paper but i hope you get the idea.I currently wear an elastic or neoprene support to get about but cannot walk far or even stand for long without feeling pain at the top area of the calf and need painkillers to sleep if i do aggravate it doing any work around the house.I am totally fed up and feel well unfit apart from a little swimming which does not aggravate it too much provided i dont kick off from the side.Can anyone offer me some advice ?

I'm sorry, i think you're unlikely to get an accurate diagnosis without having it assessed properly.

Is there any specific reason you haven't been to get it checked out by a professional? - (preferably a physio, but I'm biased..)

Having to take analgesia at night is generally considered a bad sign as the pain must be fairly severe. Therefore maybe worth hassle of getting referral to physio. - It may be quicker to get a referral from A+E, because you'll be fast-tracked.

As far as I'm aware, (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong!) muscular strains are generally the result of excessive eccentric (where the muscle is contracting to decelerate/resist lengthening) loading on a muscle. I believe you are more prone to developing a strain if the muscle is "cold" (like at the beginning of a workout), or fatigued (if you've pushed it too far). I also have a feeling that you are also more likely to suffer a strain if you muscle is working hard eccentrically whilst already in a lengthened (and therefore mechanically disadvantaged) position. Therefore, although your calf maybe (depending on technique) in a lengthened position during the classic hamstring stretch, it is unlikely to be having to work particularly hard in this position, and therefore unlikely to develop a strain...

Sorry can't help more, maybe someone else on here can offer more of a suggestion...

Please keep us updated.

hey there man with the calf problem. Sounds to me you might have some neural issues, tight sciatic nerve. U def need to get it checked out BY A PHYSIO. They'll have your prob sorted inside 3 sessions guaranteed;)

Kieran and Ronnie many thank guys for your advice.I should really see a Physio as you advise but thought i could sort it out myself.Thanks again,Tony

hi Tony


Frist wish to u a full and fast recovery..

Now, in addition to the above u've to roll out a claudication pain(ischemic calf mucsles due to over use it...) do u've any circualtory problems,what's the nature of ur job!!

:cool: :cool:

Hi,and thank you for the interest.Sorry about the slow reply but our internet connection has been down for a while.In answer to your questions:-
I do not have circulatory problems.
My job mostly entails driving around in a 4x4 but i do have to get in and out of the vehicle and walk a little quite a lot.I work 12 hour shifts,days and nights.
I have had some improvement recently by massaging the calf with emu oil and
some stretching of the calf but im only mayby 50%.Best regards,Tony.