According to the Cool Running website, bilateral calf pain is a common complaint among runners. This is because running tends to work the muscles of the calves more so than the muscles at the front of the legs. Because it can be debilitating, it is important to understand why bilateral calf pain occurs and how it can be remedied.
Symptoms
Bilateral calf pain, or pain in the calves of both legs, can vary from mild to debilitating. It can worsen when running on uneven terrain, uphill or sprinting. Pain can be accompanied by additional symptoms such as tenderness, tightness in the calf muscles, swelling and inflammation. You can sometimes hear or feel a popping sensation in the muscle of your calf while running. In addition, calf pain can make it difficult to run and cause instability.
Causes
Bilateral calf pain following running can develop if you overuse the muscles and tendons in the calves by not taking breaks in between workouts or by running excessively. You can also tear, strain or sprain one of the calf muscles by exercising too much, failing to warm up properly or by exercising at too high an intensity level. In addition, calf pain can occur as the result of exercise-induced compartment syndrome, a condition that causes too much blood to pool in the lower legs.
Remedies
Place a cold pack, frozen towel or baggy full of ice against your calf immediately after your run to help constrict blood vessels and reduce pain. Rest your legs for about 48 hours. You can also treat pain by wrapping your calf with an elastic bandage for a couple of days. Always wear proper running shoes and stretch your calves out right after you exercise. Place store-bought heel lifts or makeup sponges into the heels of your shoes to help offer extra support.
Warnings
Calf pain should not be ignored; doing so can just make the pain worse or lead to re-injury. Refrain from running to give your calf muscles a chance to heal for about a week. Seek medical attention if pain is severe, you experience numbness, poor circulation or cramping in the calves. These symptoms can signal a serious medical condition such as a blood clot or tendinitis.
References
- Cool Running; Lower Leg Pain; Josh Clark
- Runner's World; Get Healthy Calves And Shins; Ted Spiker; March 7th, 2007
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: Calf Pain
- Sportsinjuryclinic.net: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
