Pulled Calf Muscle

[YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE]

Hello, I did post this in the Limb Problems forum, but had no reply so I'll try here... I have pulled the muscle in my calf. I did it whilst hurrying around town, bounced down off a step and it’s pulled the muscle. It’s felt like it’s healed a few times and then I’ve pulled it again.

In the past I’ve had the odd massage and they’ve always commented how tight my legs are and it's usually quite painful with not a lot of pressure. What can I do about this? Would regular massage ‘untighten’ my legs? How regular would it have to be? What type of massage would be best? Physio? Deep tissue? What’s the best thing I can do to heal my calf? I’ve been doing gentle stretches which seem to help with the strain, but wonder what else I can do… Thanks!

 

[jacovkss2]

Hi ya Shinycat

Yes sports & deep tissue massage would be very useful. Also Thai & Tui-Na massage would good as well. Carry on with the stretches and prehaps speak to a physio, yoga or pilates teacher about therapeutic exercises.

Most people have tight calf muscles, usually due to posture and lower back problems, work, and sports related injuries.

Be patient, keep working at it.

Best Wishes

RP

 

[Rancidbearsgrease]

When rushing around we tend to walk on or heels and not allow deep soleus muscle to relax or shorten, we keep it lengthened and "normal stretching" doesnt help, there are lots of things you can do to help, slow down your walking, ensure your toes are the last thing to leave the ground as you walk and try to get the sole of your foot at 90 degrees to the ground before lifting to the swing phase. alos sit with heel towards bum and self massage the calf mscle. A useful analogy is to compare your muscle to a high quality fillet steak( sorry to Vegetarians) and your aim should be to restore your muscle to feel like that. Incidently I tend to find that this type of rushing person alos suffers from bad posture and stress related muscular discomfort in back neck and shoulders,
regARDS
Gaz
regards

 

[Becky]

Hi ya Shinycat

Biggaz has made me think of something which hasn't been mentioned, do you regularly wear high-heeded shoes?

RP

 

[Nerd]

Thanks guys,
I'll definitely seek out a physio and try to have a regular massage because I can see this possibly being an ongoing problem.

I think I'll find it very difficult not to rush. I walk quickly even when I'm not in a hurry! I live in London and everyone rushes! I'll do my best.

And you're right Biggaz, I do have shoulder problems also. I get very tense shoulders from sitting at a computer. But I never wear high-heeled shoes, I'm definitely a comfort first type of person when it comes to footwear (just as well with all that rushing around I do )

Thanks again, ShinyCat x

 

[zombieombie]

Hi ya Shinycat

Had to asked about the shoes as high-heels do shorten the calf muscles. If I'm ever in London rushing about, my legs would always kill me. All that hard flat concrete surfaces. A 10 mile hike in the country wouldn't do that to me!

Even thought of learning Tai Chi to improve your gait?

Best Wishes

Dave the Reiki Pixie

 

[Ross James]

Tai Chi is one of those 'have always wanted to learn, but never got round to it' things. You've put it back in the forefront of my mind so I'll look into it (too much going on at the moment unfortunately, but I'll do some research as to what courses are out there). Thanks!

xx