Calf strain?
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29th Apr '09, 7:39pm
Hi,
I'm completely new to this forum and am seeking some advice please. I have recently started road running as training for a 10k race that I am entering in June. I've started slowly and sensibly, and have gotten up to covering distances of 3.5 - 4 miles. Whilst out running today, at about the 3 mile mark, I got an achey pain in my calf. I suppose I ignored it for half a mile until I had to stop and hobble home. Is this a calf strain? should I get it checked out? Walking is very painful, and I'm worried that I won't be able to resume training for ages and miss my race. I am a bit unsure, as researching on the net, articles suggest that calf strain occurs when there is a sharp sudden pain, which mine was not.
I'd appreciate any advice as, being a complete novice, this is my first injury and I don't know what to do!
Thanks
Claire
Hi You are right that a
12th May '09, 3:50pm
Hi
You are right that a muscle strain usually comes on suddenly, with an obvious point of pain when it occurs.
This is not always the case, but mostly. Sometimes a muscle can kind of 'fray' and tear gradually, but this is not common and would usually build up over a period of days or weeks.
One possibility is that teh muscle has tightened due to the increased use and focal areas of tightness known as trigger points have developed.
I would say that the best thing to do is visit a sports massage therapist who can do 2 or 3 treatments for you, which, if this is the case, or even if its a minor muscle tear, should help considerably.
You still need to consider why it happened in the first place though. Could it be a foot biomechanics problem, such as overpronation or not having the right trainers, or could it be that you don't stretch enough etc etc.
Anyway, hope this helps!