The various aerobic, metabolic and psychological benefits of running are unquestioned, and millions of Americans count running as a regular form of exercise. Running's demands on the musculoskeletal system, however, are considerable. Calf pain and injuries are among the most common maladies in runners, and these can be treated and often prevented in a number of ways, depending on the cause.
Anatomy and Function
The calf muscles include the gastrocnemius and the soleus, both of which dovetail into the top of the Achilles tendon. The gastrocnemius is the larger and more superficial of these, and it has two distinct "bellies," or sides. The soleus lies mostly beneath the gastrocnemius and originates slightly lower on the back of the tibia. Both muscles flex the foot downward, making them essential in pushing off during running, especially when you are running uphill or running fast. Problems with the calf muscles are often intertwined with Achilles tendon pain.
Precipitating Factors
Pinpointing the cause of throbbing calf pain can be difficult because of the sheer number of factors that can cause it. Running uphill and sprinting put the calf muscles through an exaggerated range of motion and can lead to pulls and strains. Dehydration, an inadequate warm-up, overpronation and sudden increases in mileage may also be responsible for your pain. Compartment syndrome, in which the calf muscles swell beyond the capacity of the surrounding tissues to comfortably contain them, is uncommon but very serious and involves weakness, pallor and decreased skin sensation as well as calf pain.
Prevention
Preventing calf pain during and after running involves addressing the basics that too many runners often neglect until they're already in trouble. Stretching the calf and Achilles muscles is essential. Proper footwear is another concern, as worn-out shoes that lack cushioning place tremendous stress on the calves because most runners land on their heels. Staying adequately hydrated and avoiding too much fast running or overly ambitious increases in training load are also indispensable in preventing calf pain as well as various other running-related maladies.
Treatment
Treatments for calf pain that occurs after running can range from something as simple as replacing worn-out shoes or resting for a few days to surgery to correct compartment syndrome. Stretching, icing and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are mainstays in the early treatment of calf pain, although in the event of a muscle tear, which can be diagnosed using magnetic-resonance imaging, stretching is to be strictly avoided. In some cases, massage and arch supports or other shoe inserts can allow healing even as you continue to train. If you are diagnosed with compartment syndrome, which involves a direct measurement of pressure using a barometric needle inserted into the compartment, the only effective treatment is surgery.
