General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tight right calf (soleus) after every run Rss Feed  
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2014-04-03 9:12 AM

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Subject: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
My right calf has been tight/sore after every run (long or short) for the last 2.5 weeks. It goes away in 12hrs. And I don't really notice it on the run until the end of my runs. It's worse when I run hard vs easy runs. Any ideas on how to treat this or causes? I haven't taken a day off running in over a month I usually average 50+ mpw when I'm not heavy into tri training. I never had this problem before.



2014-04-03 10:01 AM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
Stretch my man, stretch and stretch. Use some ice.. And maybe some compression socks.
2014-04-03 11:02 AM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run

Get to love your foam roller, and try a rest day or two. Maybe ease up on the hard days for a week.

This is your body saying "hey! something's not right!". Listen up. A little prevention now can possibly stop this from turning into a full-blown injury.

Also, you've probably thought of this, but check your shoes and make sure they're still in good shape.

2014-04-03 11:37 AM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
Find a lacrosse ball or some hard round object and roll it out around the calf - it should be pretty painful. I'm currently in physical therapy due to the same issue but its both my legs... Right now its all stretching and rolling in an attempt to break down some of the tissue and then next week the strength training begins to build it back up.

After every run i'd take some days off until i felt 100% only to have it flare up again, figured it was time to take care of the issue before some long course stuff later this year.
2014-04-03 12:09 PM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run

Roll it.  I have this happen very often and after every hard run.  I find a stick works better than a foam roller for me. Make sure you get the spot at the very top of your calf just behind your knee. 

2014-04-03 12:17 PM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
How old are your shoes?


2014-04-03 12:40 PM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Across the river from Memphis, Tennessee
Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
I've been fighting the same issue. Ran for 6 weeks with no problems, figured I had it all worked out and my right leg flared up again (it was both before). I dialed back how much I've been running, I stretch 3X a day minimum (waking, lunch, night) with stretching before/after workouts as well. I also Ice after running. So far so good this week.
2014-04-03 1:06 PM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run

Some rest seems like the obvious place to start.  Probably in combo with some gentle stretching and/or rolling.

2014-04-04 10:44 PM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
I had a few calf issues and went to the doctor and the diagnosis was:
I'm older
and
less flexible
Now I stretch everyday whether I'm running or not. A foam roller and "The Stick" also seem to help a bit.
2014-04-04 11:31 PM
in reply to: MRDAVIDALEXANDER

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run
I'm feeling pretty stupid today. I had exactly the same issues prior to today but I went out for a 1:45 run anyway. I stretched, made sure I was hydrated and even walked a warm-up before running. Everything went fine until about 1:20 and I was crossing a highway at an intersection and I had to jump up a 9" curb. I pushed up with my right leg and just that little bit of extra muscle contraction and I felt my right medial gastrocnemius tear. it was like I was shot in the calf by a hot rock and I instantly knew what had happened.

My body was telling me to take a break but I was following my plan. I'm also very old which didn't help. I then had to limp 2K home. I have a 10K run April 13th but I'm not likely to be running.

Everyone's advice here is good and I did it all myself but definitely take a break.
2014-04-05 7:42 AM
in reply to: dfroelich

Subject: ...
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2014-04-06 2:41 PM
in reply to: tkos

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Subject: RE: Tight right calf (soleus) after every run

This happens o me every so often -- it's more the muscle below my calf and it SUCKS

I found that sports massage (it's $$ but it helps!) and faithful/ consistent stretching and using The Stick help keep it at bay.

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