Hey,looking for a bit of advice. Started running recently and I'm having terrible problems with pain in my calves. I've bought a decent pair of running shoes(asics gel) so that isn't the issue. I stretch well before I run so I dont think that is the issue. I've started doing calve raises as well to try and build the strength. In terms of distance I was doing about 2.5kms and had to stop a few times because of the pain. Not sure what else I can do or is it just a case of being a beginner and not used to working my calve muscles like this?
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Beginner running injury help
Collapse
X
-
Guest
Originally posted by Teddie View PostHey,looking for a bit of advice. Started running recently and I'm having terrible problems with pain in my calves. I've bought a decent pair of running shoes(asics gel) so that isn't the issue. I stretch well before I run so I dont think that is the issue. I've started doing calve raises as well to try and build the strength. In terms of distance I was doing about 2.5kms and had to stop a few times because of the pain. Not sure what else I can do or is it just a case of being a beginner and not used to working my calve muscles like this?
Your problem could be unfitness or other problems ranging from your hips to your back.
If possible jog on grass with all the rain should be good and soft.
-
Originally posted by Teddie View PostHey,looking for a bit of advice. Started running recently and I'm having terrible problems with pain in my calves. I've bought a decent pair of running shoes(asics gel) so that isn't the issue. I stretch well before I run so I dont think that is the issue. I've started doing calve raises as well to try and build the strength. In terms of distance I was doing about 2.5kms and had to stop a few times because of the pain. Not sure what else I can do or is it just a case of being a beginner and not used to working my calve muscles like this?
running style - i got mine from amphibian king who analyse your foot strike and will
advise on brands to help with pronation etc
stretching may not be the best warm up routine - walk at a fast pace first then a light
jog - dont try to do too much too quickly
build your distance slowly
take rest days to allow muscles to recover and grow
it is difficult to tell from your post how often this is happening
is it every session and how many sessions have you done
pain that makes you stop during a run is usually a sign of injury and seeing
a physio is advisable
doing calf raises may not be the best idea given it is possible you may have an injury
in this area and in general not a good idea to isolate one body part for extra strengthening
as sickpuppy has indicated problem could lie elsewhere in body
Comment
-
Cheers for the advice. I started doing the calve raises and stretches because at first I thought I had shin splints because I'd get a pain at the front of my shins which I presumed was shin splints. The pain in the calve is similar to that but it's now moved into the calve rather than the front shin part. The pain in the calve is like a sharp pain and the calves feel very tight, not sure if that's any more help.
I generally run 2 times a week, sometimes 3 but I'd always take 2 days break between runs. It's not every run but I don't always stick to a certain distance. Sometimes I'll just do 2.5Kms or so and stop but then I'll do longer with more breaks in between. When I stop for a minute the pain goes and then I can run for another minute or two before it comes back. Obviously I'll go to a physio if it doesn't improve but just thought I'd try here in case there is a simple solution.
Comment
-
Just because the pain is in your calf doesn't mean it's the cause of the problem. Could be a multitude of things - e.g. hip/IT band/ankle mobility issue.
Get yourself a baseball or something similar and a foam roller. Hit your trigger points and see if that helps. If not, physio the best option.
Helpful foam rolling guide here:
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/foam-rolling/
Comment
-
Originally posted by Teddie View PostCheers for the advice. I started doing the calve raises and stretches because at first I thought I had shin splints because I'd get a pain at the front of my shins which I presumed was shin splints. The pain in the calve is similar to that but it's now moved into the calve rather than the front shin part. The pain in the calve is like a sharp pain and the calves feel very tight, not sure if that's any more help.
I generally run 2 times a week, sometimes 3 but I'd always take 2 days break between runs. It's not every run but I don't always stick to a certain distance. Sometimes I'll just do 2.5Kms or so and stop but then I'll do longer with more breaks in between. When I stop for a minute the pain goes and then I can run for another minute or two before it comes back. Obviously I'll go to a physio if it doesn't improve but just thought I'd try here in case there is a simple solution.
finding out the reason it got injured in the first place is going to be a little more difficult
could be overstriding, running on concrete with weak muscles, excessive distance and many more - best of luck with it - let us know how you get on
Comment
-
I'd echo the above, physio is the only person that can diagnose an issue here.
Dinekes point about the runners not suiting you is very good also. It's not simply a case of getting a good brand. There's a range of variables. A particular type could compound an issue rather than help. After the physio, get a gait analysis done, most specialist running/ART shops should offer the service for free.
Comment
Comment