We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

calf strain... help

flatbellybella
flatbellybella Posts: 303 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been experiencing a pretty intense pain in the back of my left calf for over a week... and I'm guessing it's a grade 2-3 calf strain.
I use to run pretty frequently... at least 6.5 miles 4 times a week plus kickboxing and other forms of cardio.
Now I can barely even take the eliptical. I've been diagnosing myself thinking it might be a blood clot.... haa:sick:

Some days it isn't so bad... but like today I could barely get past 8 push ups without jumping up in pain

Prior to this I always got calf cramps (both legs)

Anybody know how to get rid of this? :brokenheart:

Replies

  • OK_Girl
    OK_Girl Posts: 123 Member
    is there ANY swelling, redness or warmth in the calf or ankle / foot?
  • flatbellybella
    flatbellybella Posts: 303 Member
    is there ANY swelling, redness or warmth in the calf or ankle / foot?

    no swelling
    feels warm... although my hands are always cold
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I'd try RICE.

    Rest
    Ice
    Compression
    Elevation


    Ice several times daily

    for a few days, if it doesn't improve you may want to seek medical attention (rest is critical.....)
  • OK_Girl
    OK_Girl Posts: 123 Member
    not sure. Is is hot, or just warm. Cold hands or not- hot or swollen is a bad sign. Is it deep in the calf? Do you have risk factors for DVT?
  • letjog
    letjog Posts: 260 Member
    You won't have DVT (I'm a Doctor). It's muscular pain and needs full rest or it won't have a chance to heal!
  • OK_Girl
    OK_Girl Posts: 123 Member
    Think you should visit the Dr for this. You might need physical therapy if you injured it. Could be a strain, in which the RICE is great advice. If it hurts severely, you could have a small tear in the muscle. I doubt you have DVT but only a DR could tell you that.

    No disrespect- but I have never heard of a doctor who diagnoses people over the internet, much less with the amount of information presented.

    See your physician !
  • flatbellybella
    flatbellybella Posts: 303 Member
    No disrespect- but I have never heard of a doctor who diagnoses people over the internet, much less with the amount of information presented.

    See your physician !

    Lol!
    if the ice doesn't ease up the pain... I'll go see my family doctor... eventhough he's a quack Lol
  • pinkgumdrop123
    pinkgumdrop123 Posts: 262 Member
    bump...my left calf has been hurting for a few days now
  • likemeinvisible
    likemeinvisible Posts: 309
    I have been experiencing a pretty intense pain in the back of my left calf for over a week... and I'm guessing it's a grade 2-3 calf strain.
    I use to run pretty frequently... at least 6.5 miles 4 times a week plus kickboxing and other forms of cardio.
    Now I can barely even take the eliptical. I've been diagnosing myself thinking it might be a blood clot.... haa:sick:

    Some days it isn't so bad... but like today I could barely get past 8 push ups without jumping up in pain

    Prior to this I always got calf cramps (both legs)

    Anybody know how to get rid of this? :brokenheart:

    I have the same - pain in left calf due to excessive running. 11 miles x4 a week. I rested for 4 weeks - no running or even walking fast or uphill and the pain was gone. I did calf raises and stretches and wore an elastic bandage loosely for 3 weeks.
    I'm now trying to run but still get pain in other area of the calf so I don't know if I'm cured. There's no pain while walking like before so I should be ok.
    I didn't have problem with push-ups though, only with activities that put strain on the calf or getting it past 90 degrees under strain. I saw products that raise your heel so that you can prevent from putting strain on your calf while walking but haven't tried that. Also being a male I don't have any high heel shoes, you could try that too.
  • ka97
    ka97 Posts: 1,984 Member
    1. See your doctor. Get a diagnosis.
    2. If it is a calf strain, you must rest and rest until it is fully healed. Having made the mistake of trying to get back into running too soon, I can tell you it only makes the recovery period longer, much longer. As much as it sucks, just let it heal.
    3. Ice and compression may also help. I found that icy hot and massage at least made it temporarily feel better.
    4. Physical therapy might also help. See your doctor.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    It's been hurting for a week, and you haven't sought help from a doctor?
  • lisabruce12
    lisabruce12 Posts: 77 Member
    Last weekend I kicked a soccer ball and got a terrible cramp in my right calf. I didnt go to a doc until my and ankle swelled and turned purple. I thought it was strange that my ankle looked so bad when it was my calf that hurt so bad.... I apparently have a high ankle sprain and a possible calf tear. I am on crutches too...YUK! My calf is still very sore and tight but icing and stretching seems to help. If you dont get better soon please see a doctor....
  • mermiths
    mermiths Posts: 12
    calf cramps could be caused by a lack of potassium--eat bananas and potatoes to boost low potassium levels
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    This sounds like a calf strain to me, not a blood clot (not a doctor, but have had DVTs and take daily meds to prevent more). Rest is what I'd say you need. RICE, basically.

    That said, if you really think there is a chance you have a clot, or if clots run in your family then I would strongly suggest you call your doc's office and describe your symptoms to the quack. He'll either tell you to come in for an exam and say RICE too.
  • bikinibeliever
    bikinibeliever Posts: 832 Member
    I tore a muscle in my calf some months back. Did you/do you see any bruising down from where it hurts? I had bruising all the way down near my ankle and on my foot too. Doc said that was the blood from the tear and that is what they look for. I had to do the RICE method. It took a full 2 months to recover and the doc said it could have taken as long as 4 months. Mine was a minor tear. That sucker hurt bad! I also suffer from horrible leg cramps and have for a couple years now. Good luck, hope it gets better soon!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories