Dealing with Calf Tightness/Pain

ktguidryDE
ktguidryDE Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, all! Over the past 4-5 years, I've exercised on and off (I've had two kids in that time, so I took time off), and I've dealt with the same issue. A little while after I start working out, my calf starts hurting a few minutes into my workout. The pain gets worse throughout the workout and my foot starts going numb.

I'm pretty sure it's related to stretching and how I warm up. If I do a mild, 15 minutes warmup, I'm not likely to have the pain. If I do a 5 minutes more intense workout, I'm almost guaranteed to have the pain. The problem is, most workouts have the shorter, more intense warmup.

What are some recommended stretches or warmup exercises I can do? The pain is on the outside of my right calf, for the most part.

Replies

  • rj0150684
    rj0150684 Posts: 227 Member
    If you have a warmup routine that you’ve done and you know you don’t get the pain after you do it, do that. If you’re taking a class or watching a video or something, do your routine immediately before you start.
  • rachel780mpg
    rachel780mpg Posts: 83 Member
    I kinda have the same problem. If I warm up less than 15 minutes, my calves feel the same way, the right more than the left. I like to do heel dips? I'm not sure if that's what they are called but, standing on the edge of the stairs and dipping my heels down. Lunges and toe touches also help me.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    The numb foot is not normal and sounds like Exertional Compartment Syndrome.. but other conditions can cause it too, like Popliteal Artery Entrapment. You should see an orthopedist for a proper diagnosis.

    In the mean time, stretch your calves for 30+ seconds every hour, every day. Use a reminder app if you forget.
    And if you're not running, switch to shoes with no raised heel. About 90% of shoes have a raised heel, which tightens the calves. Good "zero heel" shoes include skateboard shoes, Keds, Vans, Altras, etc. Wear them for your non-exercise shoes too.

    Post an update next week. :+1:


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