Calves tighten up will walking/ running

MrsTyHarris
MrsTyHarris Posts: 88 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Good morning MFP'ers! I've been wondering does anyone else have an issue with their calves tightening whille walking or running? I have stopped and started exercise routines because of this problem. This time I'm determined not to stop though, so someone please help. I'm thinking maybe I need to stretch more! Any Suggestions?

Replies

  • reklawn
    reklawn Posts: 112 Member
    Yes! Do stretch more :)

    I've found this website helpful as well
    http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/avoid-calf-tightness-9457.html
  • notthatthis
    notthatthis Posts: 218
    No amount of stretching will fix possibly damaged calf muscles.

    I use a tennis ball and self-massage using the tennis balls.

    search for Self Myofascial Release with tennis balls or massage with tennis balls.

    also, for the bottom of the feet, a "tumble dryer ball" or a golf ball is pretty good.
  • rjmudlax13
    rjmudlax13 Posts: 900 Member
    Are you sure it's not cramping? Sometimes cramps in your legs can feel like "tightening."
  • BurtHuttz
    BurtHuttz Posts: 3,653 Member
    When running, yes - I tried stretching well before the runs, but that made recovery awful. Eventually I settled on warming up with a few minutes slow walking, a few minutes fast walking, a few minutes at a light jog, and then letting out into my normal pace. After the run, a long, slow stretch.

    But if you're experiencing noticeable calf tightness simply from walking, I don't have any tips.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    I highly recommend massage-not the feel-good ahh type of massage, but the uncomfortable kind. I get one at least once a month and it makes such a difference for me. When I'm "due" for another massage, no amount of stretching seems to help-but after a rather uncomfortable hour, everything just feels "free" and "airy" (not sure how to describe it really). And because I go to the same guy, he tells me where things are better/worse than usual and/or where trouble is brewing (and why) and he gives me stretches and stuff to do. Maybe this isn't in everyone's budget, and all that touching sure isn't on everyone's to-do list, but I consider it an essential part of my exercise plan.
  • OkieTink
    OkieTink Posts: 285 Member
    Stretch. Stretch. Stretch.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    yep, for sure, happens all the time, loosen up,, stretch, hot tub, sauna.
  • ericarae33
    ericarae33 Posts: 211 Member
    Stretch, Stretch, and Stretch...also a foam roller works wonders for me! I have to use it in the morning and before/after I get on the treadmill.
    Good Luck!
  • amymimi12
    amymimi12 Posts: 51 Member
    This happens to me all the time, especially when I'm getting started (or restarting) with a new routine. Use a foam roller to massage out the calves every night. It hurts but it really helps. Stretch well after you work out, drink tons of water, and eat bananas - the potassium helps. Also make sure you fit in rest days... don't run every day at the beginning. For me it took 2-3 weeks of keeping up this routine before the calf pain started to get better. You can do it!
  • MightyDomo
    MightyDomo Posts: 1,265 Member
    You may be missing something nutritionally. I used to to get tightness and sometimes even little cysts in my legs and my doctor had attributed it to some missing vitamins and minerals. I took what he asked me and it helped tremendously. Though TBH this was back in early high school, so about 10 years ago.
  • tageekly
    tageekly Posts: 3,755 Member
    I had this while walking/running and while resting but found it was from too little potassium. I started monitoring it in my diary and found I was WAY under most days so started making an effort to get more and the cramping has gone away now.

    This is a good list for foods with potassium - www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR15/wtrank/sr15w306.pdf.

    Completely warming up and stretching after is also important and can help as well.
  • timeasterday
    timeasterday Posts: 1,368 Member
    I got some compression sleeves and that mostly eliminated my calf tightness. After the run I do some deep stretching and massage using one of those knobby foam rollers.
  • DebHutton55
    DebHutton55 Posts: 48 Member
    Reading a great book right now, called 'The First 20 Minutes'. The best stretch/warm up for walking is walking, the best stretch/warm up for running is running. Besides that, all my foot and leg issues went away when I slowly eased into the 5 finger vibrams. I know that the people who wear them, love them. The ones who don't, don't. I also agree with some of the advice here, mostly about taking it easy and adding rest days.
  • BamaBreezeNSaltAire
    BamaBreezeNSaltAire Posts: 966 Member
    Yes, this happens. A few words to start with...go to a running store and get fitted with proper shoes. I mean a REAL running shoe store where they know the shoes, can do a gait analysis and let you try on several different pairs of shoes that fit your foot, your stride, and your arches. You're going to pay dearly for it, but are your feet, knees, hips, and muscles worth it? YES! Next, what I would do would start with a warm up walk, then stretch. A warm rubber band is easier to stretch than a cold one, so are your muscles. Then break out into your run. After running, stretch again. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE....very important. Bananas, yes, eat them. You will figure out what works for you, I've been running for 27 years and these are the basics....however I've had to change things to accomodate my age and needs based on aging. At 39, I definitely don't have the same routine as I did when I started running at 12!
  • GoTeamMeaghan
    GoTeamMeaghan Posts: 347 Member
    if you usually wear high heels during the day, it shortens your tendons over time and can make wearing flate shoes (like sneakers) uncomfortable. i wear heels every day but i have super strong legs and i take off my shoes as soon as i get home. also eat a banana a day to help with potassium.
  • BamBam125
    BamBam125 Posts: 229 Member
    I never wear high heels, but I have big long calves and this does happen to me sometimes. I walk on my treadmill barefoot.

    Sometimes if I just "high step" or try to "kick my own butt" for little bit they work themselves out and I don't have to stop the treadmill.

    Otherwise, I'll stop the treadmill and stretch (hang heels off the back edge of the stopped treadmill, or stand on tip toes) or walk up and down the stairs and then get back on. That usually fixes the problem if the former doesn't work.

    My calves get tight even when I'm not doing anything though. I get "Charlie horse" cramps there some mornings. Heck of a way to wake up on a lazy weekend. My mom has always had tight calve muscles too, but she's on her feet all day. I don't have that excuse.
  • MrsTyHarris
    MrsTyHarris Posts: 88 Member
    THANK YOU ALL SOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR ALL THE HELPFUL TIPS! I'M GOING TO TRY THEM AND UPDATE YA'LL ON HOW IT GOES. THANKS AGAIN:bigsmile:

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