Walking - Calf Pain

Hi everyone!

I'm a huge fan of walking - it's something that I do frequently for a variety of reasons. Exercise, de-stress, get some fresh air.. but over the last few days, I have been experiencing some severe pain on the outside muscle of my calf on my left leg.

About a week and a half ago, I rolled my left ankle and spent the better part of a week resting it, icing it, etc. My ankle now feels 100% fine (beyond some tenderness when touched) but my calf just burns up when I walk for more than about 5 minutes. I have never experienced this before.

There is no bruising, no tenderness or pain when relaxed, and the calf muscle stops hurting after I sit down for a few minutes. It almost feels like a Charlie Horse. I have no idea what is going on, though.

I have tried to work through the pain, I have tried stretching before I walk, and during the intense pain to try to relax the muscle, massages, etc. I'm at a loss.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any tips, trick, or recommendations are welcome. I love my walks - I need to get back at it!

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    That's pretty unusual. You probably should see a doctor if it doesn't improve.

    If stretching doesn't hurt, try this stretch for 30 seconds once or twice every hour, and right before walking too:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkgkmbXz8Mo

    Also walk in shoes with a low heel, like Keds, Converse, Tom's, etc. Most shoes have a raised heel, which tightens the calves.

    Let us know if it helps..
  • Inrequia
    Inrequia Posts: 53 Member
    Hi, Cerimoose!

    Thanks so much for your reply. I'll try that stretch and see if helps. The shoes I'm wearing are the same as I always wear, which is what struck me as unusual. I'll see if I have anything else kicking around.