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2011/01/17, 02:21 PM
Hi. My name is Jim.
I'm planning to join the army in the next few months, and I've started working out again. I'm in decent shape, but I need to get in to great shape. I have a problem that could be a deal breaker though.
Every time I jog, whether outside or on a treadmill I develop calf pain. The pain is sudden, and moderate. It becomes more severe if I don't stop. It goes away after a few days.
Right now it affects my right calf, but in the past when I jogged it affected the left calf also. The pain seems to affect different parts of the calf during different occurrences. Sometimes it strikes the lower calf. Sometimes the inner calf, and sometimes the outer portion.
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes of jogging before it hits, and again it only happens when jogging. Calf raises, leg presses, elliptical, bike, and walking are all fine.
Please...I need some help!
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2011/01/18, 12:51 PM
Well, do you stretch before and after all physical activity? You need to (and I would assume you must, if you're a regular at the gym) for at least 10 minutes before AND after, holding each stretch for at least 15-20 seconds without bouncing. Stretching also increases your results when doing resistance training. I'm no fitness guru, but it sounds like you have a calf strain, probably level one. You should make sure you're also doing low impact cardio in addition to the treadmill, since that doesn't bother you as much. And, of course, get a professional's opinion on all of that!
Good luck!
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Quoting from mokkasdad:
Hi. My name is Jim.
I'm planning to join the army in the next few months, and I've started working out again. I'm in decent shape, but I need to get in to great shape. I have a problem that could be a deal breaker though.
Every time I jog, whether outside or on a treadmill I develop calf pain. The pain is sudden, and moderate. It becomes more severe if I don't stop. It goes away after a few days.
Right now it affects my right calf, but in the past when I jogged it affected the left calf also. The pain seems to affect different parts of the calf during different occurrences. Sometimes it strikes the lower calf. Sometimes the inner calf, and sometimes the outer portion.
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes of jogging before it hits, and again it only happens when jogging. Calf raises, leg presses, elliptical, bike, and walking are all fine.
Please...I need some help!
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2011/01/21, 12:45 AM
I would have to give my experience on stretching never ever hold a stretch before a workout.. Imagine putting a elastic band in the freezer and then take the elastic out of the freezer when its frozen...what will happen if you stretch that band..its gonna snap.. That is how your ligaments and tendons and muscles are before exersise...so do dynamic stretching...before workout for 5-10 minutes and then static (holding the stretch) after for 5-10 minutes. For the running try using the upper part of the leg to power your running..never use most of the movement in the lower part of the leg...If you feel your hamstrings and glutes working then you are running correctly..if you are feeling the muscles working in the lower part of the body...then readjust your stride... Also look at your running shoes...if they are worn out on the bottom replace them..you get your type of pain from wearing running shoes that are worn or not enough ache support in your shoes... I would also suggest that when you do your workouts...or weight training add in some negative training...this will help strengthen your ligaments and tendons..believe me it is worth it...all the best luck to you...
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2011/01/24, 06:56 PM
Stretching before is never a good idea. First, the muscle is cold and at greater risk for injury. Secondly, stretching can actually reduce the power output of a muscle for a short period of time afterward ( roughly an hour or so). So dynamic before and static after is right on. Also, for your calf pain, your might look into getting some orthotics. They are hard plastic inserts that correct issues with how your foot strikes the ground. They make your foot balanced. Orthotics are fairly expensive, but if you are going into the military it might be worth the money.
Also, try what is called myofacial release. This is the practice of rolling a hard object over your muscles to loosen facial nets your body builds around muscles that are used frequently. There is a product called "The Stick" that can be ordered online and it works very well for your calves. The website is www.thestick.com.
Hope this helps
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Scott Edson
My credentials: I have my masters in exercise science, worked in division I strength and conditioning, owned my own gym in suburban chicago, and now run a fitness website at
www.powertotrain.com
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