Recurring Calf pain and tightness

[Sangria Girl]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice for a problem which is affecting my running & has put an end to playing football. In December 2010, I sufferred a grade 3 calf tear & was on crutches for a few weeks, with a graduated return to exercise after about 6-7 weeks.

Ever since I've paid more attention to calf stretches, strengthening exercises & massage (go to get a sports massage every 5-6 weeks), however I've been affected by calf tightness and pain in both calfs (not just the one I tore). I've tried everything, including self-massage, deep heat, magnesium supplements, herbal remedies, stretching 4x daily, long warm-ups, running on softer surfaces, etc but to no avail. My calves are just too tight & painful to run properly anymore. I usually find I can run ok for about a week after a sports massage, but then the tightness and pain returns in both calves, this is made worse by any form of faster running or running on hills.

Really grateful for any advice & I'd love to know what could be causing this?
I'm 30 years old & have been a long distance runner for 17 years (had no previous problems until now). My calves are both well developed from playing football & I was a sprinter from 11-13 years. Thank you

[Heidi]

Hi
Sounds like you are doing all the right things.
Something I would consider is if your gait has changed. Calf injuries and tightness can cause a change (usually more pronation). So it would be worth checking this again and you may need different running shoes.

[Sangria Girl]

Thank you for your reply - I will try & get a gait analysis done. I've also had a few knots in both my calfs (right in the middle of the Gastroc. muscle) could this contribute to the pain / tightness? is there anything which may help (foam roller, self massage?) Thanks again.

[Heidi]

Yes knots in the muscle are a common cause of muscle tightness so you should try to work on these. Self massage using something like a foam roller can be helpful