Runner question (Sore upper calf muscle behind knee)

gsop22
gsop22 Posts: 84 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Anyone else running get a sore spot above the calf muscle behind the knee after their run. I started getting this last week toward the end of my run. Though it was just soreness and it did go away after 2-3 day of no running. I ran yesterday and after the 3 mile mark it came back. I still finished the run as it is only a slight discomfort. I stretched after running but it is still sore. I read a bit about this type of discomfort and it may be a popliteal muscle strain.

Anyone ever get this and know the best way to treat it. I understand the rest is the best option but am not sure for how long. I am in W6D2 of C25K and am doing great and enjoy running now. I am a bit bummed if I have to stop for a few weeks as things were going great. I do not want to lose my gains.

Any comments are appreciated. Thanks

Replies

  • mreeves261
    mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
    Question - Did you get fitted properly for your shoes?

    If no, go to a running shop, not a big box store, and get properly fitted for shoes.

    If yes, I had this happen when I got to the end of C25K and was moving into the 10K bridge. I pushed through it WITH THE ADVICE OF AN ATHLETIC TRAINER. I was told this. If there is no pain in the joint and no loss of range of movement I could push through as long as I could take the pain. On the days it feels swollen and loose I wear a knee brace which is mostly just a mental comfort, but it isn't a hindrance so I do it.

    Either way I would go see a doc if it were me, just to be safe.
  • gsop22
    gsop22 Posts: 84 Member
    I do have running shoes but did not go to a running shop to get fitted. I did not really think about this when I first started to run so I just bough a pair of running shoes but will definitely go to a running shop. Thanks for info.
  • mreeves261
    mreeves261 Posts: 728 Member
    Fitted shoes will make all the difference in the world!!!!

    Generally speaking if you go to a good store they will also answer any questions you may have about form, distance, time, running/training groups, local races, etc.
  • Chevy_Quest
    Chevy_Quest Posts: 2,012 Member
    I know that this may sound off the wall, but on my right leg I would get this after I had been driving for long distances without stopping to walk. This may be wayyy off but I thought I would throw it out. Good luck!
  • gsop22
    gsop22 Posts: 84 Member
    I was researching the popliteal muscle strain and it has something to do with below the knee rotation of your leg. So if you are driving for long distances and on the brake and gas a lot, I could see the muscle being strained by moving you foot back and forth. So it may not be way out there.
  • gsop22
    gsop22 Posts: 84 Member
    Bumping this just to see if anyone else has had this type of issue. Haven't Run in about 5 day and my knee feels better but still apprehensive about running yet. Going to a doctor next week for a physical so I will inquire about my knee then. Hope I don't lose any of my running gains.
  • RHuete
    RHuete Posts: 1
    Just wonder what the outcome was for you. I have the same issue. Not from running, but from martial arts. I've had to drop out for a couple months, because the pain has been recurring for a year now. Right now, I'm working with a trainer at the gym to balance my lower body strength, hoping a muscle imbalance may be causing the problem. Chiropractor thinks maybe it's sciatica and that's the best I've been able to come up with. So frustrating!! Just looking for a solution!

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