Exercise or not with pain?

juliekin

Yesterday I started to get calf pain, but shook it off. I was in incredible pain this morning, took some medicine and now have to decide whether to work through it, stretch and still do my 5 miles of walking today and elliptical or take a day off. It feels like deep pain running down my calf muscles. Any helpful advice would be welcome, please.

taunto

Listen to your body. If you're experiencing pain then take some rest. You can always work on upper body if your legs are in pain.

LorinaLynn

I'll work through sore or achy... but not PAIN. Rest and if it doesn't improve, get it checked.

dsjohndrow

I have found that a good warm up helps. I have been pushing my mileage and with it some new pains in new places.

I am assume that you warm up, and then stretch? You shouldn't stretch cold muscles.

It sounds like you may be getting some cramping. For that I suggest message, heat (hot tub if you have one), eating bananas every day and lots of water.

Rest is also helpful; 2 days off changes a lot things.

Good luck!

chantels1

It's important to recognize if it is pain, or muscle aches and soreness. It sounds more like pain, and you should rest for a couple of days, then try light exercise with stretching. 5 miles probably was too much with an injury!

dlwyatt82

You might be short on potassium; leg cramps are a common symptom of that. Do you take a daily multivitamin? If not, it's a good idea, or for potassium specifically, you can just eat a banana here and there.

juliekin

Thanks! I take a multivitamin and have good potassium. I will do a long gentle stretch and a couple of half mile walks and maybe a short workout. If I hurt I will stop. And I'll take a hot soak tonight.