My calves hurt :-(

Kath712
Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Not sure if it's from the workout videos I've been doing (various Jillian Michaels DVDs) or the high heels shoes I've been wearing. Probably the combination of the two. I took some Ibuprofen and used some ice packs tonight, but they still hurt. Any suggestions on what else I can do to help them feel better? I want to start C25K soon, but I'm afraid how my calves will feel. I already have good supportive sneakers. Thanks!

Replies

  • merrillfoster
    merrillfoster Posts: 855 Member
    I've got my legs draped over my heating pad as we speak for the same reason
  • live2smyle
    live2smyle Posts: 592 Member
    I take tennis balls and roll them over various parts of my aching body. When I was preggo with my Daughter the doc told me to do that on my lower back. I just kept doing it everywhere. Hope you heal soon :flowerforyou:
  • teeley
    teeley Posts: 477 Member
    Drink loads of water
  • TiniTurtle
    TiniTurtle Posts: 595 Member
    Jillian says to push through the pain & your body will adjust in a few days... make sure you hydrate!
  • trinityj1
    trinityj1 Posts: 97 Member
    I ran 5k without stopping or slowing down on Saturday (never done that before in my LIFE and it wasn't even HARD, I <3 P90X) and I'm *still* walking like a lame duck. It was quite a bit better today, then I tried to run for the bus.

    Ow. My calves hate me. Even after Yoga and many stretches. Just got to wait it out, I suppose.
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    If it's a muscle pain, you need to work them. I remember way back when I did a bunch of crunches (one of those "I haven't done crunches, so I'll do 100" days) and was sore for a week because I didn't work the lactic acid out. Move around, stretch them (put toes up against a wall and lean forward), and you'll feel a lot better. I know that heat works as well, especially if you have access to a hot tub.

    I miss the days of feeling sore after a work out because I could tell I did something. Now I'm just tired when I get home.
  • KeepOnMoving
    KeepOnMoving Posts: 383 Member
    Ice is best after a workout. (I know that is hard to do in the winter.) But before you ice, I recommend stretching like yoga. Stretching the entire leg in fact. Your calves muscles are connected to your knee which is connected to your thigh and hip. Its complex, but it's important to stretch the entire leg muscle. Also the tennis ball or foam roller works too.

    Here is a good stretch: lie on your back with both legs straight. Bend one leg up using a stretch band or a belt to put your foot through. Hold that leg up straight at a 90 degrees while the opposite leg is lying straight on the floor. Then switch legs.
    Good luck!
  • KeepOnMoving
    KeepOnMoving Posts: 383 Member
    Also potassium helps cramps too. Afterward eat 1/2 banana, drink organic cherry juice.....I even heard pickle juice out of a jar - but never tried that before.
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    A protein shake may (depending on brand) provide as much potassium as one whole banana, along with a ton a protein to help your muscles rebuild (the brand I have does, i don't know about others). Potassium is a good idea though, my calves have cramped up multiple times during my workout :grumble: before drinking my protein shake religiously after a workout (couldn't find good bananas :cry: ).
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