Muscle Pain after running..

wjewell
wjewell Posts: 282 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm in so much pain. I don't know why my legs hurt so much. I feel like I have constant Charlie horses from my calf down into my toes. I just don't understand. I gave them a rest from running for several days and they are still killing me. even worse now that I ran. any suggestions on how to make it feel better is much appreciated. :)

Replies

  • JulieF11
    JulieF11 Posts: 387 Member
    You may have a stress fracture that would need medical attention. So please don't take it lightly. It could be serious and need a cast. If you have shin splints, take a few days off of running and stretch only.

    I would suggest that next time you:
    1) Be sure you have running shoes, that fit your foot well. Step in water then on a paper bag and see if you have flat feet, high arches, etc.. You may need orthotics.
    2) Be sure to stretch after running. There are lots of stretching exercises on line.
    3) Be sure to be well hydrated before, during and after the run (and take Potassium if you don't drink a Gatorade)
    4) Make sure you aren't leaning too far forward or slouching forward that would put more pressure on your calf muscles.
    5) Work out the muscles on the front of the leg. You may have strong calves and weak shin muscles.

    For pain if it's not a stress fracture:
    1) Epsom salt (by at any Pharmacy or WalMart/Target, etc...) in a warm bath will help.
    2) Arnica Gel (also in the pharmacy section or a health food store) helps a lot!
    3) Advil
    4) Potassium tablets will help with leg cramps.
  • MellyLikestoRun
    MellyLikestoRun Posts: 83 Member
    I second everything that JulieF11 said. One thing too - maybe you need to stretch while you are running. Warm up by walking, stretch your calves and shins, run a while, stretch again, and then continue running. I know that a lot of times I need to stretch after one mile because my calves are really tight. You might also want to try a foam roller, like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBYTzHFcC94 Best of luck!
  • rachielyon
    rachielyon Posts: 56
    I'm in so much pain. I don't know why my legs hurt so much. I feel like I have constant Charlie horses from my calf down into my toes. I just don't understand. I gave them a rest from running for several days and they are still killing me. even worse now that I ran. any suggestions on how to make it feel better is much appreciated. :)

    Yes, call your Doctor immediately. I was dealing with the same issue. I purchased brand new shoes and tried street/treadmill, banana's and everything else ppl recommended to me. It turns out that I have plantar fasciitis, which caused a heel spur, and now I am in physical therapy. I thought I was "taking it like a man" by just dealing with the pain and in fact I was making the injury WAY worse...Please call your Doctor! My pain was awful cramping in my shin/calf area and my calves were so painfully tight. I have to stretch every day when I wake up, middle of the day, and before bed in addition to going to physical therapy every week.
  • jrusso28
    jrusso28 Posts: 249 Member
    Rest until the pain is completely gone.
    Then try again but at a slower pace.
    Assuming the pain doesn't return you can increase intensity with every subsequent run until you get back to your current pace/distance.
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