I was on a training run about 3 weeks ago, exactly 1 week before my first race, and I strained the muscle below my right calf. So, during race week I took it easy and by race day everything was going great until the run when the injury came back. I had to walk/limp the last couple mile because the pain was unbearable. The following week after my race, the problem got better until today when warming up with a light jog, I felt a slight "pop" in my calf. I'm not sure if I tore the muscle or if I pulled it. Our medical insurance sucks from work with zero coverage for physical therapy, plus I have to get a referral from a doctor first. I don't want to spend $300+ to have someone show me different stretches and exercises. I'm supposed to do a sprint race in about a month, which I'm hesitating to do. I have 5 races scheduled, each about a month apart. Should I bag the first couple a let everything heal? Any suggestions on what I should do with the injury?
So, just so I get this
So, just so I get this straight, you'd rather get a bunch of internet docs give you their sound medical advice and risk further injury than actually go to a specialist, get it checked out, get a solid diagnosis and a good plan for recovery?
What's your health worth to you? Go to the doctor.
You got a point cuds!
You got a point cuds! Should I see a foot doctor? I was talking to a friend and she said that she read an article in runnersworld mag, and it talked about the relation with switching shoe types and calf problems. I switched from a cushioned neutral shoe, to a pair of Newton all weather training shoes. I think this might be the problem.
I have never had a real calf
I have never had a real calf injury but when running long distance's(marathons) i used to get tight calves and my local running store guy cut the soles of my shoes in three different places for more flexability. Also you might want to try some racing flats for shorter races they work great! Sorry about your injury yu def. need to get it checked out!:^)
A "pop" is not good. Go see
A "pop" is not good. Go see a doc. Check around with your local tri clubs. Mine has a set up with a PT for free injury assessment. Check your resources and get your calf checked out.
Agree with KitKat, a pop is
Agree with KitKat, a pop is not good. The fact that you could still limp along suggests it could be a partial rupture in the calf or the top of the achilles tendon where it joins the soleus. Definitely go see a doctor and in the interim try to rest it, leg raised, supporting the calf area on a cushion. Try ice, comression and elevation. Until you get a diagnosis from the doctor I would avoid any stretching as it could make a partial rupture worse.