Calf Strains

[MolteniArcore]

Anyone else have their calves go ping just walking the dog? It usually sorts itself out the next day but it is really annoying.

Any tips on how to avoid this? It’s happening a couple of times a week.

 

[Druss_The_Legend]

Don't walk the dog?

 

[newusername]

Ping in what way, an actual pull or just severe cramps?

 

[Tryasize10]

Sounds like cramp to me. I suffer with this. It's hard but stretching is absolutely a must. Also get a roller

 

[MichaelDebeve]

Not me, but I get the tightest Achilles after any kind of exercise.

After a run or 5 aside I hobble for a day or two.

 

[MolteniArcore]

Sounds like cramp to me. I suffer with this. It's hard but stretching is absolutely a must. Also get a roller

Not cramp, unless cramp lasts 3 days! Foam roller is a good shout though!!

 

[MolteniArcore]

Ping in what way, an actual pull or just severe cramps?

A pull. Makes me limp around for a day or so. The current pull in my left calf is on day 3 and I can still feel it.

 

[Boro_Interlinked]

Surely you not warming up correctly? Get the dog to give you a 3min forepaw massage on the area that goes ping before setting off.

 

[JackG]

You need more dogs and a sled.

 

[Fattyfoggon]

never had them ping but possible there is a weakness there I would consider some strengthening exercises for them just stating slowly and building up over time. Maybe you have been over straining the calves during other exercises running or cycling, I do lots of strength work on my legs to keep the running and cycling going but it is getting harder and harder as I get I older to keep them going

 

[newusername]

Not cramp, unless cramp lasts 3 days! Foam roller is a good shout though!!

A pull. Makes me limp around for a day or so. The current pull in my left calf is on day 3 and I can still feel it.

IANADr but sounds like you've pulled your calf & then are aggravating it by walking on it again before its recovered, & potentially making it worse.
Rest & light stretching to recover.

 

[Andy_W]

Anyone else have their calves go ping just walking the dog? It usually sorts itself out the next day but it is really annoying.

Any tips on how to avoid this? It’s happening a couple of times a week.

Is it to do with you riding your bike? Maybe you've got an incorrect position/ fit which ends up manifesting later?

My calves and hamstrings are always tight from cycling/ football, have to really stretch out before any kind of exercise, and it got worse every year since my mid 30's.

I used to get crazy cramp in one leg, when riding, often as I set back off from a roundabout or junction, basically stopping after a period of power, and then mashing the pedals with high power to get going again.

I adjusted my cleats so one is further forward than the other, to account for a 5mm difference in feet length (rather than having cleats identical on each bike shoe). Also took my seat post down a few mm.

 

[Tryasize10]

You can get persistent cramp. If it was a pull or a tear it's a lot longer than 3 days recovery.

It's common from over use without stretching properly

 

[Fattyfoggon]

never had them ping but possible there is a weakness there I would consider some strengthening exercises for them just stating slowly and building up over time. Maybe you have been over straining the calves during other exercises running or cycling, I do lots of strength work on my legs to keep the running and cycling going but it is getting harder and harder as I get I older to keep them going

just to add the obvious if it is causing you a problem might be worth a quick appointment with a physio and getting some expert advice

 

[Brian Marwood]

I used to get this every time in one specific position during tantric sessions with my ex Chinese girlfriend, she was very slender, athletic and supple which meant she didn't get the cramp as I did.

We had the choice to either not use this position, suck it up so to speak or try to find a solution. She came up with a solution which was for me to have a leg massage with a Vietnamese lady that she knew, unfortunately she too took quite a shine to me so the massage would always lead to a different expected conclusion and yup, you've guessed it, she loved that particular position too. So instead of finding a cure I was now suffering the cramp twice.

Long story short, I ended up trying sodium pills which solved the cramp but I continued with the massages.

 

[TeessideCleveland]

A pull. Makes me limp around for a day or so. The current pull in my left calf is on day 3 and I can still feel it.

As @Tryasize10 said I think doing some stretches before and after will hopefully help - especially as it's happened a few times. I've had it walking the dogs too - but googled 'calf stretches' and got a few tips which seem to have more or less stopped it happening

 

[MolteniArcore]

I think it’s under use rather than over use! I think stretching before walking might be he way to go!