tight calf

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2007-08-08 4:52 PM

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Expert
686
500100252525
oregon ave,
Subject: tight calf
My right calf has always been a little tight off and on accompanied with a little heel pain.  I actually don't notice it when running or biking.  Just after sometimes.  Well after my sprint on Sunday,  they have been a little more sore then usual and continues as I type.  I have iced it and have not been runnig or biking yet.  Any thoughts on what to do?

2007-08-08 5:54 PM
in reply to: #918806

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Veteran
247
10010025
Mission
Subject: RE: tight calf
Solution to tightness is as follows

Buy
couple feet of PVC piping
1 Pool Noodle

Cut to size
Put pool noodle on pipe

Rub away your tightness
2007-08-10 12:08 AM
in reply to: #918806

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Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: tight calf

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=82107&posts=24&start=1

Heck, this site almost needs a separate forum for PF.  Anyway, stretching and massage will help.  PF is an ongoing battle for lots of people.  Good luck.  I've been struggling with it since last December.  I think it's my friend for life.

2007-08-10 2:00 PM
in reply to: #918806

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Master
1324
1000100100100
Rochester, NY
Subject: RE: tight calf

Things that should help:

Multiple daily stretching of the gastroc and soleus muscles

Regular stretching of the hamstrings.

Heat

Massage:  Professional is great.  But self-massage is much more practical.  Get a baseball, or lacross ball, or the like and try to work it into the sore spot/tight spots.  Several times daily until it loosens up.  Then as needed.

2007-08-10 2:09 PM
in reply to: #918806

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Expert
686
500100252525
oregon ave,
Subject: RE: tight calf
Heat?  Not ice?  I always thought ice was the way to go.  In fact, I have ice on it rght now.  Maybe thats my problem??
2007-08-13 10:04 AM
in reply to: #918806

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Master
1324
1000100100100
Rochester, NY
Subject: RE: tight calf

Ice is best immediately after an injury.  It helps reduce swelling.  First 24-48 hours or so.

Heat is generally best afterwards.  It increases bloodflow, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the area and removing more waste products.

2007-08-13 10:22 AM
in reply to: #918806

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Expert
686
500100252525
oregon ave,
Subject: RE: tight calf
Thanks. I have only been swimming, I did one EZ biike ride, heat and lots of stretching and massaging but still tight.  This patience thing is killing me.
2007-08-13 1:52 PM
in reply to: #923560

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Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: tight calf
I've noticed with my tight calf and PF situation that it is exacerbated by lots of climbing while staying in the saddle.  I know the common advice is to stay seated on climbs as much as you can.  But if you are prone to these tight calves and PF, I'd temper that advice.  If you live in an area where you frequently tackle lots of steep, long climbs, I think there's nothing wrong at all with breaking up your climbs by getting out of that saddle from some good sections of the road.  Good luck with this problem.  It ain't fun.
2007-08-14 8:22 PM
in reply to: #918806

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Expert
686
500100252525
oregon ave,
Subject: RE: tight calf
It has been a week.  I have only swam and did a few real EZ bike rides on the trainer and it has not let up.  I have kept the heat on and massaging it (my leg that is) a lot.  I thought about just running and seeing what happens.  Maybe it will go away or just get messed up and be easier to diagnose and fix.
2007-08-17 8:15 PM
in reply to: #926106

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Master
3127
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Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: tight calf

mikep - 2007-08-14 6:22 PM It has been a week. I have only swam and did a few real EZ bike rides on the trainer and it has not let up. I have kept the heat on and massaging it (my leg that is) a lot. I thought about just running and seeing what happens. Maybe it will go away or just get messed up and be easier to diagnose and fix.

It took several weeks (6?) of frequent stretching (many times per day) for my calf tension and heel symptoms to begin letting up after they had become bothersome.  Keep at it.  I still battle with PF, but to a lesser degree now, and my first symptoms hit about 9 months ago.

2007-08-21 4:31 PM
in reply to: #918806

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Regular
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Waukesha, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: tight calf
Along with massaging/heat/ice, is there anything we can do nutritionally to help? Drink more water? Less? I'm rather new to all this, but can already feel them getting tight. Thanks!

Edited by bnmracn 2007-08-21 4:45 PM

2007-08-22 10:42 AM
in reply to: #918806

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New Jersey
Subject: RE: tight calf
More water is better than less to avoid calf cramping.
In general, heat on the belly of the muscles to increase circulation of both blood and oxygen; and ice on the tendons if inflamed or recently injured (helpful right after exertion).
Using a rolling pin, The Stick, or a tennis ball can help with compressions to the muscle to increase circulation.
Do not forget when stretching your calves to take the time to stretch soleus. Very important.

Below are two posts which may be helpful:

Soleus stretch description and demo:

http://www.killerlifestyle.com/wp02/?p=61

Product review of the ProStretch device:

http://www.killerlifestyle.com/wp02/?p=131
2007-08-22 3:46 PM
in reply to: #918806

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Extreme Veteran
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Glendora, CA.
Subject: RE: tight calf
Thanks mikep for your question.... got me to thinking.....does anyone stretch the leg/calf muscles in T2 to help prevent leg/calf soreness during run and post race soreness? Pros? Cons (other than loosing a few seconds/minutes in T2?).

Thanks!

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