Tight Calves...help

"Symptoms:
Tight calf muscles are a common problem for runners. You'll feel a gradual tightening in your calf muscles when running. Sometimes the pain will go away while running, but then comes back after you stop.
Cause:
Tight calf muscles are often caused by increasing your mileage too quickly and/or not stretching properly. Sometimes they are also due to a biomechanical problem that can be corrected with the right running shoes or orthotics.
Treatment:
One of the best ways to treat tight calf muscles is to see a sports massage therapist or physical therapist for a deep tissue massage. You should also make sure you're stretching your calves (without pain) and strengthening your calf muscles. If you haven't already, go to a running specialty store to make sure you're wearing the right running shoes for your feet. If the pain persists for more than two weeks, make an appointment with a sports doctor.
Prevention:
Tight calves are a very common overuse injury, so make sure you're not increasing your mileage or intensity too quickly. You should increase your weekly mileage by no more than 10% each week. Also, make sure that you stretch your calves after every run."


I have super tight calves too. Nothing I did was helping, but actually, deep massage is now my best friend. It's uncomfortable for a second but you feel the results IMMEDIATELY. I also learned that I was totally wearing bad shoes for my foot shape, the arches were all wrong and it was making my feet do crazy stuff while I walked all day. So I went to the REI store here in Austin and talked to the guy in the shoe department, and he helped me find a pair that fit me better, and even told me which insoles would work with my other shoes. Very helpful! My legs are still kind of tight but they dont kill me now, and the relief I get from the combination of massage and pacing myself better is invaluable.
Hope this helps!

Potassium? Something Ive heard is that if you don't get enough, it will make your muscles hurt. just throwing this out there, I don't know how accurate it is.

You don't mention stretching after your runs? This is see by some to be more important than the pre-run stretches.

Well, I love to run and I do run long distance. I too struggle with tight calves. Yes as far as the above, I always warm up before my runs by walking for at least 5min. than a slow jog for about another 5min. than yes, I do stretch BEFORE I run. This will help loosen up your muscles. Never stretch cold muscles. While out on my run I also will do a quick stretch on my calves while waiting at a stop light, I drink fluids while running such as water and electrolytes (a little watered down gatorade) wich will also help. After my run again, I always stretch. Yes, having the right shoe is good and by the way breaking in new shoes will take a few runs too. If you have the potassium thing covered think about calcium, the lack there of can also cause cramping. So just be over all healthy. Now with that said. Along with all the usual things this is what really helps me too, it's called a foam roller and you can find it at a sporting goods store or a Target for about $17. It has really made a difference. You sit on the floor and roll your calf over it and you will feel it massaging out all that tightness. If you are really tight it may be a little uncomfortable at first but keep it up try it after each run and during the week plus it's free-no need to pay for a massage. Also, make sure you are strengthening all your leg muscles with light resistance training so that your muscles can support your legs. I would recommend you log onto runnersworld.com and search calf stretches and tight calves. They are loaded with tons of info. on getting started and specific help for specific areas. Good luck!