Sometimes it's tough to tell the difference between being sore from a training session and an injury when you are participating in a running program or sport that includes running. Sharp or severe pain, however, usually signifies an injury. If you experience severe calf pain while running you may have ruptured a tendon or torn a muscle. Stop immediately, apply ice to the injured area as soon as possible and seek medical attention.
Lower Calf
If you feel a snap or pop followed by severe pain in your lower calf area your Achilles tendon may have ruptured. MayoClinic.com describes the feeling as akin to being kicked or even shot. You will not be able to stand on your toes if this tendon ruptures, and will be unable to push off the injured side when you walk. You also will not be able to bend your foot downward. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Surgery is the most common treatment for an Achilles rupture.
Mid Calf
If you experience a snapping sensation and a sharp, burning pain in the mid-calf area you may have a torn muscle. Your muscles are most likely to tear at their points of attachment. The heads of the larger calf muscle, the gastrocnemius, converge in the middle of your calf. This is the muscle that most commonly gets torn. The injured area will be tender to the touch, and you may experience swelling and bruising. It will be easiest to walk on your toes. Immediately ice the injured area and elevate your leg. See a doctor as soon as possible. If your injury is mild, treatment involves physical therapy. Severe cases rarely require surgery. This injury sometimes is called "tennis leg."
Muscle Pull
A pulled calf muscle also causes pain and swelling. The RICE method -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- is used to treat a pulled muscle. Visit a doctor if you have calf pain. If you do not properly diagnose and treat a pulled calf muscle it can escalate into a muscle tear, warn "Basic Marathon Training" authors Don Garber and Chip Mitchell.
Prevention
To reduce risk for issues that cause calf pain, stretch your calves regularly. Also stretch your hamstring because a tight hamstring can strain calf muscles. Strengthening your calf muscle will help you lower risk for issues that cause calf pain while running as well, note Joseph Puleo and Patrick Milroy, authors of "Running Anatomy." Your calf muscles and Achilles tendon take on a large amount of the shock absorption following you heel strike. A strengthened and stretched soleus muscle is especially helpful when it comes to preventing Achilles tendon issues. Seated calf raises work best to strengthen this muscle because these emphasize the soleus over the larger muscle in your calf, the gastrocnemius, note Puelo and Milroy.
References
- "Running Anatomy"; Joseph Puleo and Patrick Milroy; 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Mayo Clinic: Achilles Tendon Rupture Symptoms
- "Learning Muscuoloskeletal Imaging"; Ramón Ribes, Joan C. Vilanova; 2009
- Sports Medicine of Atlanta: Tennis Leg
- "Basic Marathon Training"; Don Garber and Chip Mitchell; 2004
