Have you ever suddenly felt calf pain while running?
You may have been running smoothly for the past few weeks without encountering any similar problems, but this kind of injury is common among runners.
The first thing that would come to mind would be to rest your legs.
Sure, it would be good to take a break from running and rest your legs for a little while.
But what if the pain doesn't go away even after rest?
Calf Pain While Running: Determine the Cause of the Pain
This is where you need to determine what is causing pain on your calf muscles. First, you need to know where the pain is exactly located. It may be your shoes and/or the type of running that you have been doing.
You have to look back and ask yourself, have you been running beyond your capacity? Do you feel comfortable when running?
Calf Pain While Running: Determine the Location of the Pain
Is the pain more to the side of the calf? Then it could actually be your shins that are hurting, possibly indicating shin splints. More in the middle of the calf? Then it is probably affecting the bigger soleus muscle. And if it the pain is more to the bottom of the calf, it could indicate Achilles tendinitis.
There are two main factors that cause calf pain while running.
1. Overuse. You may have suddenly ran a couple of kilometers more than you usually do or you may have done excessive hill work. Meaning, you have forced yourself to run past your physical strength.
These running practices are not good for the calf muscles. They only increase your risk of these types of injuries. Try to gradually increase your mileage and slowly incorporate hill work.
2. Shoes. Do your feet feel uncomfortable when running? Running in the wrong pair of shoes will just increase your risk of getting injuries.
There are specific kinds of shoes built for specific foot types. Determine what type of feet you have and make sure that your running shoes are the right kind.
Calf Pain While Running: Treatment
Applying ice and giving your legs some rest are the first aid treatments for calf pain. It is best that you take a few days off of running to completely rest your legs.
However, if the pain has subsided and you decide to start running again, apply ice immediately after every run as well to reduce inflammation.
Also keep in mind that when muscles are upset it is good to provide some extra care via (self-)massage.
Calf Pain While Running: Prevention
Calf pain while running can be best prevented by eliminating the causes.
This should help you a great deal in treating and preventing calf pain while running.
As with any running injury, if the pain persists, then do not hesitate to go to your doctor for a complete and proper diagnosis.
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