Why do I keep tearing my calf muscle ? Any advice ?

[CrouchTPEngage]

For the 2nd time in a few months now, I tore my calf muscle. Weirdly both time happened about the same time in the game ; 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Could be coincidence, but I wonder if getting cold at half-time is a cause ? It the top of the muscle each time.( Soleus ? )
Anyway, this time it was when I was walking bakcwards and I had to suddenly push off and sprint forwards as there was an unpredctable change in direction.

Is there anything you can advise for how to stop calf-muscles pulling . Or speed up recovery ?

Thanks, in advance.

 

[Rich_NL]

Most likely if it's the same muscle, it hasn't healed properly from the first time.

Warm up properly and stretch before and after the game, give it time to heal. Boring advice

If it's a recurrent problem, you might have a weak spot in either your gait or your support muscles, maybe a strength imbalance. I had problems with my knees for ages until I strengthened my hamstrings, for example.

 

[colesy]

I used to suffer from persistent calf strains even with a good warm up. Changed my boots to Asics Gel Lethals and the problem didn’t recur.

 

[crossref]

I have had a tender Achilles this season :-( wish I could get rid of that

 

[Marc Wakeham]

A little stretching at half time to keep the calf from seizing up at half time. TIME to recover from this one too.

 

[buff]

I have had the same problem. Make sure you see an athletic therapist and have that person fully test you to find any strength imbalances, muscular weaknesses, or lack of flexibility. It could be any combination of those.

 

[Christy]

I would look at your training methods ,,if you are simply jogging a few miles a couple of times each week .this could be part of problem .
Your training needs to match what we do on field .
Definitely look at your studs ,,smaller studs are ideal for me .
Warm up & down properly .

Let your calves heal properly ( missing a few weeks refereeing might help )

 

[L'irlandais]

I reckon what you need is the elixir of eternal youth – or at least extended middle age...
(I hung up me boots over this recurring issue.)

 

[menace]

Primary cause of calf tears is being over 40...once that happens it's written into law that you must tear a calf.

2nd cause for calf tears: not seeing a physio to get a proper diagnosis and stretch and strength program.

For me...the cause was neural (back). Cue strength and stretch of back and also calf raises galore (plus changing to Asics gel boots!)

 

[Dickie E]

I find these a big help

https://www.2xu.com/au/p/compressio...3612876349439383758|dvc:c|adp:1o1|loc:9071419

 

[DocY]

Most likely if it's the same muscle, it hasn't healed properly from the first time.

Warm up properly and stretch before and after the game, give it time to heal. Boring advice

If it's a recurrent problem, you might have a weak spot in either your gait or your support muscles, maybe a strength imbalance. I had problems with my knees for ages until I strengthened my hamstrings, for example.

What Rich says. Even if your calf felt fine after the first tear - especially if you didn't see a physio the first time - you're likely to have a weak area in the muscle due to misalignments when it was healing. A sudden, very hard contraction can then pull open the old tear.

In terms of recovery, firstly see someone - preferably a sports injury specialist rather than a GP.

If you have a plantar fasciitis boot and/or a knee splint you could try wearing those at night to keep the muscle slightly stretched, but don't go out and buy them unless someone who's had a look at you advises it.

 

[Camden91]

Calf strains occur when you tear or overstretch one of the muscles in your lower leg.

 

[VM75]

I have had a tender Achilles this season :-( wish I could get rid of that

CR & CTPE , I've had both reoccurring Calf tear & a sore achillies pain, in both instances a course of physio has sorted both.

Calf took longest [8weeks] as the tear needed very firm [almost painful] massaging out
The achillies was 4 weeks of similar,

targetting the 'spot' and breaking it down seemed to be the key !

IMO physios costs of £18 per 30mins were well well worth it.

 

[Ovey]

I had a recurrent calf strains for a whole season a few years back. I got come 2XU calf compression socks and switched to Asics boots and haven't had a recurrence (yet)!

 

[Drift]

I used to have some calf issues, however like everyone else compression socks and Asics boots helped. However even before those what helped the most was losing weight, not sure how much you weigh or what your body type is but obviously if you're carrying a little less weight (if you can afford to lose some) makes your muscle's work a little easier and therefore not as many issues.

 

[Volun-selected]

I’ve had a number of issues with my achilles and calves) - same advice as above, rest, PT, talk to a good sports physio.

And don’t ignore it like I did otherwise you may find your acute tendonitis becomes a chronic tendinosis. Like mine did.

Launching into a sprint cold is a killer - as well as the initial warm up pre match I need to keep them warm during half time, normally I throw tracky bottoms on and just keep walking around.

Other issue is dehydration - running back to back games when it’s 35C/95F in the shade and you’re out in the sun on turf always seem to be a risk for me. (And yes, I know it’s relative and some of our Australian friends are thinking “35? Nice spring day, mate.”)

 

[Volun-selected]

Several of you rate the Asics gel boots but I think you can only get them in Australia now. Any other brands recommended?

Otherwise, do you know if Asics size consistently across shoe types so I could use the gel trail shoes sold here to confirm the fit?

 

[Dickie E]

Take up yoga. 10 mins per day of downward dog will work wonders to prevent calf issues