Pulled calf muscle

[mikekeswick]

I got into running around 6-7 months ago and have noticed that I seem to keep pulling my left calve. I have noticed that it starts to feel tight just before I pull it. If I stop running and just walk it is normally fine but I can feel it the next day as a bit of tightness.
About 10 years ago I snapped my left acl and damaged the meniscus. I had it reconstructed and they used my hamstring. I had never noticed any weakness of the left calve in all that time. I normally climb a lot so I would have thought walking up hills with heavy packs and climbing itself would have made any deficency noticeable.
So does anyone have any ideas why I am getting this problem?
Also what is the best way to treat a pulled muscle?
Thanks

[IainR]

No link with barefoot.. :-)

Do you wear calf socks? I'm not a fan generally but wore them when I had a strain and it let it recover..

[Stagger]

Get to a running physio and ask for their advice and the right stretch's for strengthening.
Its worth paying if you want to get it sorted.

[mikekeswick]

Well maybe it is linked with barefoot running but I had the same problem when I was wearing the roclite 315's. Since wearing the baregrips and running on the beach barefoot whilst concentrating on not heel striking i've noticed i'm running 'lighter' and definately prefer it compared to how I used to run. It just feels right. Of course running like this is meaning that my calves are working differently now. I've never worn calf socks and to be perfectly honest i'll have to do a google to find out what they are!
I think i'll try and find a pyhsio who specialises in running injuries.

[cyclops]

I got into running around 6-7 months ago and have noticed that I seem to keep pulling my left calve. I have noticed that it starts to feel tight just before I pull it. If I stop running and just walk it is normally fine but I can feel it the next day as a bit of tightness.
About 10 years ago I snapped my left acl and damaged the meniscus. I had it reconstructed and they used my hamstring. I had never noticed any weakness of the left calve in all that time. I normally climb a lot so I would have thought walking up hills with heavy packs and climbing itself would have made any deficency noticeable.
So does anyone have any ideas why I am getting this problem?
Also what is the best way to treat a pulled muscle?
Thanks

Hi Mike,
Its obviously impossible to try to diagnose without seeing you but it could be that there's underlying scar tissue somewhere either where the injury was or from the graft in the hamstring. Your calves are linked by fascia to your hamstrings....and beyond so issues in one area can cause problems elsewhere. Have a look around our blog - this one might be a good intro to fascia http://globaltherapies.wordpress.com...anating-stuff/
Where are you based? If not close to us (Glossop/Derbyshire and striking distance of Manchester) then we could help find you a soft tissue therapist near to where you live.
Lynne

[mikekeswick]

Hi Mike,
Its obviously impossible to try to diagnose without seeing you but it could be that there's underlying scar tissue somewhere either where the injury was or from the graft in the hamstring. Your calves are linked by fascia to your hamstrings....and beyond so issues in one area can cause problems elsewhere. Have a look around our blog - this one might be a good intro to fascia http://globaltherapies.wordpress.com...anating-stuff/
Where are you based? If not close to us (Glossop/Derbyshire and striking distance of Manchester) then we could help find you a soft tissue therapist near to where you live.
Lynne

Hi Lynne, thanks for that link - very interesting.
The more I think about it the more i'm suspecting it has something to do with the knee surgery.
I live near Darlington in County Durham so maybe a bit far for a day trip. I would appreciate it if you could recommend somebody local.
Thanks

[A.P.E Knott]

http://www.paulgoughphysio.com/
I can personaly recvomend him.
Pulled my calf last year and he did a great job on getteing me back.

[Mike T]

Do you use your legs differently when you walk or run - in particular is there a difference in your foot landing? Looking at the wear pattern on your shoes/boots may show this. Is the whole muscle affected - in other words could it be cramp from the asymmetrical mechanics? The calves are unusual in that they will keep going if you ask them to, despite cramping up, whereas most other muscles will just stop. Seeing a physio certainly sounds sensible, as do heel drops on the stairs, and single legged squats going up onto your toes.

[cyclops]

Hi Lynne, thanks for that link - very interesting.
The more I think about it the more i'm suspecting it has something to do with the knee surgery.
I live near Darlington in County Durham so maybe a bit far for a day trip. I would appreciate it if you could recommend somebody local.
Thanks

i dont know anyone personally up your way so give the chap A.P.E knott recommends, personal recommendation is the best way to find someone good
hope you get some answers and resolution
lynne

[RaceTheSweeper]

I really like this site http://www.athletestreatingathletes....urce-map/calf/