Ice or heat for calf injury

Kelly043

I am just starting to get back into exercising and eating right, and of course I pulled a muscle in my calf last week just as I was about to start jogging across the street to get to work. I am really anxious to start exercising again, but I can't do anything beyond walking at this point - it still aches a bit when I walk - not enough to cause a limp, but enough to know jogging is out of the question.

Does anyone have any recommendations to help speed up the healing process? Should I do ice or heat or both in the evenings? Or neither? My work schedule for the next month definitely rules out a trip to the doctor.

Shock_Wave

I am just starting to get back into exercising and eating right, and of course I pulled a muscle in my calf last week just as I was about to start jogging across the street to get to work. I am really anxious to start exercising again, but I can't do anything beyond walking at this point - it still aches a bit when I walk - not enough to cause a limp, but enough to know jogging is out of the question.

Does anyone have any recommendations to help speed up the healing process? Should I do ice or heat or both in the evenings? Or neither? My work schedule for the next month definitely rules out a trip to the doctor.

Ice for inflammation pain and heat for sore muscles does the trick for me. Oh and a pain pill lol..

Dolphin1190

Been to the doctor for similar and orthopedic and chiropractors as well say same thing .Ice 20mins on and 20mins off for first few days after injury and then take ibuprofen if your stomach can handle and follow bottle dosage as long as you can take advil but if you are taking any other prescriptions or have a medical condition check with your pharmacist and or doctors office. After a few days and swelling goes down heat is ok to help they make microwaveable heating pacs we got a few from our chiropractor it has rice in it uncooked of course sewn into a cloth bag it looks really cute...you put in beside a cup of water for 40 seconds this way it is moist heat and the bag protects you from getting burned... that you could do for 20mins on and off and before walking or running warm up muscle first and then after running and strecthing ice it for 20 mins and if it flares up after about hour see about moist heat .don't cross legs at the knee and try to keep elevated when either icing or heating.. Magnesium can also help with cramps and charlie horses...solgar or twin labs makes a good one...and don't try to run on it too quick....try rest 1st then progress to walking slow then faster....and then run...but if still having problems doctor would be best to see... if any red lines with the swelling and any discoloration of the skin or feeling in calf or down to your toes or nails of toes look different..,.you need to call doctor and tell them what is going on and let him advise you. those symptoms they would have to rule out a clot or some part of veins in calf and part of leg may not be getting enough oxygen....but if try ice or heat and works then great...Take it easy and don't over do it . You do not want to risk a permanent injury. Theres always another day take 1 day at a time. A lady from weight watchers who was now a lifetime member who took off 88 lbs and has had if off for 8 years now told me not to stress it went on one pound at a time and it comes off 1 pound at a time and to do it the right way it's a lifestyle change not a diet. Have a Great Day.

Kelly043

Thanks for the tips!