Tightness in my calf?

Question

Hello, I'm a mid distance runner (5-10 mile days) and for the past month, I have had this unbelieveable tightness when I run for about 5-10 minutes. This tightness doesn't go away after I stretch or warm up and it's made running impossible.

I've already raced with this tightness 3 times, 2 of the races were completed at 5 minutes over what I should be running and 1 I couldn't complete because it was just too dfficult to push it, I was on the verge of crying because of the heaviness and strain.

People on my team don't believe I'm injured at all, as there's no swelling at ALL or any big splotches, and I can walk just fine.

About a month ago we did some intense mountain running and I felt a pop in my calf.

Please don't tell me to STRETCH or warm up more because I HAVE been doing this and it ain't getting better. What could this possibly be? Should I stop running for awhile?

Thanks a ton.

Answer 1

try hitting them this will get all the lactid acid out hope this works

Answer 2

When I am pregnant, I get a lot of charlie horses in the night. After a really bad one, my calf will be tight for a few days as it recovers. I just try to massage it and put a heat pack on it to relax the muscles.

Answer 3

You have already had some great advice from one individual, but here is another tidbit. Increase the water you are drinking, but do not overdue it. Your urine should look clear when you pee. Also, eat more vegetables and fruit. Add darker colored ones to your diet (i.e. beets, egg plant, and raisins). Finally, walk a half mile before you start to run. Give your body a chance to warm up, and after you run cool down back jogging first and then walking before you do any stretching. Your body is telling you that it is tired of the way you are treating it. Listen to it, but do not think about quitting. I hope you follow this advice and see the happy results.

Answer 4

I've had this same problem and I'm fine now. You should take a warm cloth and put it on your calf then once your calf feels relaxed.take your strong fingers and massage your calf all over.when i was jumping up in basketball games for rebounds mine used to pull.but luckily my teammates dad was a physical therapist but before you run massage it. and about the pop in your calf you have probably strained a muscle.i know you want to keep running but when you feel sum thing that isn't going away you need to stop what you are doing and rest or get it checked out right away.i don't remember where i saw this at but a tight cramp can be serious.you need to take all precautions before attempting any other running activities if you want to keep running.I know you don't want to hear this but KEEP STRETCHING FOR AWHILE LONGER THAN YOUR TEAMMATES AND I HOPE YOU SEE A REMARKABLE DIFFERENCE!

Answer 5

yeah i had that problem with my running a few months ago, i went to a doctor and he recommended the usual "warm up and have fun while your at it=D" thing which wasnt very helpful...i started to do some calf strengthening exercises(go up on ur toes and back down very slowly 15-20 times per leg or whatever you are comfortable with but increase it after a a while, rest and do it again, altogether 3 times, trust me, you will feel it start to burn!) and after a weeks i could see an improvement and have been able to run my miles a lot faster! i hope this helps

Answer 6

theres these roller stick things that they sell at most running stores, it gets most of the knots out after using it a few days it really hleps if you have no idea what im talking about use like a rolling pin and roll where it hurts, your calf. then its good to ice after that.

Answer 7

Welcome to Cramp City, you have leg cramps, rotate the leg around and then move the foot up and down. If this fails get some Sports Cream and rub it thoroughly on the calf muscle.

Answer 8

I suggest massaging your calves and putting ice on it.