The muscles of your calf are the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and you use them for toe push-off during running and walking. Poor flexibility, overtraining and fatigue can lead to pain and injury of your calf muscles such as a strain or tendinitis. Treatment consists of rest, ice and stretches. Consult your physician if pain does not subside.
Causes
Overtraining, increasing running pace or mileage too quickly and overstretching are common causes of calf injuries such as tendinitis, muscle strains and compartment syndrome. A bone spur or bony projection on your heel bone can also rub on your Achilles tendon, leading to tendinitis and lower calf pain. Prolonged inflammation or tendinitis can result in degeneration of your Achilles tendon and increase your risk of a tear or complete rupture. Muscle strains or tears are categorized as a grade one, two or three strain based on the severity of the tear; chronic exertional compartment syndrome is swelling around your calf muscles, increasing calf pressure and causing pain.
Risk Factors
Running is a risk factor for calf injuries and, according to a 2002 "British Journal of Sports Medicine" article, occurs in approximately 6.5 percent of runners. Additional risk factors include tight calf muscles, fatigue, a previous injury, flatfeet and cold weather. Your age may also play a role in your risk of injury because you lose elasticity in your muscles and tendons as you age.
Treatment
Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the best initial treatment. If pain continues, take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen. Once pain subsides, lightly stretch your calf and perform light exercises like biking, walking or swimming. Slowly return to running after all your symptoms are resolved. This may take several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of your injury. For persistent or worsening pain, consult your physician about other treatments including cortisone injections, massage therapy, physical therapy and surgery.
Prevention
Wear correct size footwear that provides plenty of arch support and cushion. Orthotics may also be necessary if you have flatfeet or high arches to further improve ankle, knee and hip alignment and to reduce the stress placed on your calf muscles. Warm up and stretch before runs to keep muscles flexible and injury-free. Last, increase running mileage no more than 10 percent a week with at least one rest day each week to allow muscles to recover.
References
- Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic: Calf Strain
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; A Retrospective Case-Control Analysis of 2002 Running Injuries; J. E. Taunton, et al.; 2002
- "Current Review of Musculoskeletal Medicine"; Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of The Leg; Alicia K. Tucker; September 2010
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Achilles Tendonitis; June 2010
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