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sore calves

mazzgolf Posts: 74 Joined: 2002/05/28	2002/06/12, 01:47 PM Well, now I did it. I promised myself to start easy - I don't know if this is how it is supposed to feel, or if I pulled something. So, last Sunday morning, I did standing calf raises. All I did was put my toes on a step (held onto the railing for balance) and lower/raised my calf. Each leg did 4 sets of 20 reps. Now both my calves are so sore, when I just touch them, it hurts. I can still walk, but I certainly feel it. It isn't a sharp pain, it feels like I just pulled my muscles. Then again, maybe this is what it is supposed to feel like? I never exercised my calves like that before, maybe the muscles weren't used to it? They are getting better, slowly. And when I stretch them, they feel better. I'm just worried that I did the exercise wrong or if I just did too many too soon. Anyone with similiar experiences? (I know I saw one posting where someone had hideous pains in their calves such that they could not walk; that isn't me, I can still walk and the pain is bearable, they are just very sore).
mikencharleston Posts: 1,585 Joined: 2002/01/09	2002/06/12, 01:49 PM If you keep working it right you'll still get soreness afterwords but it won't be nearly as bad.
ischjli Posts: 408 Joined: 2002/03/13	2002/06/12, 02:24 PM Yes, Miken is right on. I too had this happen when I began my leg routine. I remember saying almost the identical thing to my co-worker. I said that I thought I injured myself because the pain was so intense. Keep on following your program, get rest, and you'll be fine. -------------- Ischjli "Seven days without exercise makes one weak."
qualters Posts: 343 Joined: 2002/04/21	2002/06/12, 04:23 PM This is bodybuilding you are tearing that muscle up so more can grow, but you might have went to far...LOL. You are right Mazz your muscles might not have been use to it, wait a while for the pain to go away and hit it again. I have felt that pain before! -------------- BQ AMERICAN MADE
Lumina20 Posts: 966 Joined: 2001/10/31	2002/06/12, 06:24 PM I got my brother to start the home workout program on Monday (yeah!), so he calls me at home today asking if he has to do the same thing today because he's so sore he doesn't think he'll get through it all. Don't worry, I'll make him do it! >=)
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/06/13, 01:56 AM Yes the calves really hurts after the first couple of times. I know it's a big bother but don't give up, the next time you'll hardly feel anything. Don't worry. -------------- - Nina :o) La vie est toujours aussi belle.....
mazzgolf Posts: 74 Joined: 2002/05/28	2002/06/13, 07:40 AM *phew* OK, thanks for the input! At least I know I'm on the right track, but boy does it feel weird! BTW: I found that a little dab of sports creme helps to dull the pain... :)
qualters Posts: 343 Joined: 2002/04/21	2002/06/13, 04:43 PM I have been working my calves for awhile and I still get pretty sore. This happens often when I work my legs, so soreness like you know, is just gonna have to be accepted with open arms! Reap the rewards of soreness...BIGGER and STRONGER MUSCLES! -------------- BQ AMERICAN MADE
Philia2 Posts: 4,078 Joined: 2001/10/19	2002/06/14, 02:31 AM Hmmm I still hate having sore calves. I can handle everything else but not the calves.... yuck. -------------- - Nina :o) La vie est toujours aussi belle.....
skinnyguy Posts: 86 Joined: 2002/05/03	2002/06/16, 03:01 AM I find it very hard to get my calfs sore. I do as much weight as possible low and high reps, even some drop sets. But I always wake up the next feeling the same as before I workout. I hope they grow without soreness... -------------- Vaya con Dios... Keith
saisquoi Posts: 4 Joined: 2005/07/13	2005/07/13, 04:36 AM hiyas, what happens if we have some veins probs at the calf areas. Will stretching those muscules worsen the veins condition? eg. spider veins. thanks!
buddyl1950 Posts: 1 Joined: 2009/08/24	2009/08/24, 07:25 AM I have gotten calf pain so bad that I have had to quit running. I can barely walk! My calf muscles are sore to the touch. I have enjoyed the input on how to cure this condition. It looks like it is just going to take time and patience.
alex_morley Posts: 39 Joined: 2004/07/22	2009/08/24, 11:15 AM This is technically known as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Stiffness) and is a well-known phenomenon. The pain is basically caused by microscopic tears in the muscle which as was mentioned way back when this thread was started, then need ot be repaired which leads to a building of muscle size and strength. The reason your calves get it so much more than other areas of your body when you first start is because you so infrequently use your calf muscles in such an isolated way in normal life. They're therefore totally unprepared for what you put them through and the little tears are much more prevalent. As said by everyone before, this will wear off over time but in the meantime it is a nightmare (speaking from experience of having to cut my long run down to 7 miles this weekend due to DOMS from Friday's leg weight session!)