Research published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" in 2002 found that calf muscle strains and Achilles tendinitis were among the most common running injuries. Causes of calf injuries and pain include inadequate stretching before running, poor conditioning and overtraining. To alleviate pain, rest, ice and gently stretch your calf muscles. For pain that worsens, consult your physician immediately.
Causes and Injuries
Poor conditioning, muscle fatigue and inadequate stretching before running can lead to tight calf muscles and mild aching in your calves. Muscle cramps can also lead to achy calf muscles and are caused by muscle fatigue, dehydration or low levels of sodium in the body. A muscle strain, or tear, which can occur when your calf muscles forcefully contract like during sprinting, might also result in calf pain. Additional causes of calf pain include Achilles tendinitis, chronic exertional compartment syndrome and a deep vein thrombosis. Achilles tendinitis is when your Achilles tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse. With chronic exertional compartment syndrome, your calf muscle swells, causing pressure in your calf; a deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in your leg or calf.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for aching calves include obesity, flat feet, high arches and a previous calf injury. Running on hard and uneven surfaces like pavement and hiking trails can further increase your chances of calf pain. Wearing worn shoes, shoes that are too small or shoes with inadequate arch support increase the stress placed on your calf muscles and thus your risk of injury. Running long distances like a marathon can increase your risk of muscle fatigue and calf injuries, too. For deep vein thrombosis, risk factors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and varicose veins.
Additional Symptoms
Additional symptoms of a muscle strain include muscle weakness, swelling and tenderness over the injured area. With Achilles tendinitis, you are likely to experience swelling and pain around the tendon and lower calf, as well as ankle stiffness. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome and deep vein thrombosis can also cause muscle weakness, numbness and pale skin over your calf and foot.
Treatment
Treatment for a muscle strain and Achilles tendinitis includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to further reduce pain and swelling. For muscle cramps, rest, ice, gently stretch your calf and drink a sport beverage to rehydrate. Additional treatments, about which you should consult your doctor, include salt tablets, massage, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. Research published in the journal "Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine" in 2010 recommends surgery to treat chronic exertional compartment syndrome effectively, especially for competitive athletes. Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect a deep vein thrombosis.
Prevention
To prevent achy calf muscles, stretch before and after running, maintain a healthy weight and drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Wear shoes that are well-cushioned and provide adequate arch support. Increase your running mileage no more than 10 percent each week and rest at least one day a week to avoid overtraining.
References
- "Current Sports Medicine Reports"; Muscle Cramps During Exercise --- Is It Fatigue or Electrolyte Deficit?; Michael F. Bergeron, Ph.D.; 2008
- "Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine"; Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Leg; Alicia K. Tucker; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms; Aug. 5, 2011
- 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
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Achilles Tendinitis; June 2010
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