Pulled calf muscle

[smoggy]

I developed a pain in my calf last Sunday while out running on Gisborough Moor. Very frustrating as I've just had a very long lay off due to knee injury. After almost 12 months without any fell running due to my knee injury, the one thing that I have finally developed is a healthy dose of realism. There were many times during that 12 month period when I tried to run when I was
clearly not ready and I suspect that this exacerbated the injury and stalled the healing process. So my advice Mike, would be to learn patience and find an alternative way of exercising that will hopefully compensate for not hitting the fells. Personally, I find that I can still go out mountain biking so long as I stay seated when going uphill and therefore making the quads do the work. I'm confident that I should be back running within 4 weeks, however, if I try to run within that period I am certain that I will make things worse. My main targets this year are Ennerdale and Borrowdale and I'm confident of lining up for them, however, if I am foolish enough to run in my short term target of High Cup Nick in two weeks time then I suspect that the long term damage will be significant. Be realistic and patient.

[IainR]

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.

I just find whenever I have tight calfs I wear my calf sleeves, but now just football socks, and it seems to provide enough support/warmth to protect them..

Especially when I'm doing a lot of travel, I can end up on the treadmill 2 -3 times a week which always gives me lower leg issues and plenty of stretching and the socks help on colder days.. but sounds like you have an underlying issue.. I just have poor flexibility, leading to tight calfs..