While exercise is essential for good health and fitness, it can sometimes cause pain and other uncomfortable side effects. Next-day soreness is common in beginners, as well as more experienced athletes. Because of their role in activities such as running and jumping, the calf muscles are often affected by soreness. Learning about the causes of sore calf muscles allows you to adjust your workouts to lessen pain and prevent more serious complications.
Causes
Muscle soreness can stem from several causes, the most common being delayed onset muscle soreness. This condition is not dangerous and is thought to be caused by a buildup of lactic acid in muscles. Exercises most likely to cause delayed onset muscle soreness include downhill running, resistance training and plyometrics, though any vigorous activity can contribute. Other factors that might play a role in delayed onset muscle soreness include fatigue, angle of contraction and velocity of contraction. Muscle cramps are another common form of pain associated with working out. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the calves and back of the lower leg are among the areas most frequently affected by cramps.
Symptoms
Muscle soreness can range in severity from mild to intense. Calf pain caused by delayed-onset muscle soreness is usually the worst between 24 and 72 hours after workouts and might be accompanied by stiffness. This condition can occur in anyone regardless of fitness level and does not indicate serious muscle damage. Acute cramps that occur during exercise are often accompanied by muscle spasms and usually subside within a few minutes.
Prevention/Solution
While it's not always possible to fully prevent calf soreness, a few simple changes in your workout routine can help reduce the severity. The National Institutes of Health says anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. Taking periodic breaks and working other muscle groups for a few days give sore calf muscles a chance to recover. Athletes who work out frequently can reduce next-day soreness by decreasing the duration and intensity of exercise for a couple days. Massage and application of heat might also help alleviate calf soreness and next-day pain.
Considerations
In rare instances, soreness can signal a more serious injury such as muscle or tendon strain. If you experience intense calf pain while exercising or shortly thereafter, stop exercising and see your doctor. Also see a doctor for pain that lingers beyond two weeks or impairs your ability to walk.
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