Calf muscle tightening up while running?

Question

I recently started running, and I do a good amount of stretches, equally on both legs. However while running my left calf tightens up a lot and makes it difficult to run. My right one seems fine and I still feel that I have a lot of energy left. Why is that and what can I do about it?

Answer 1

This has happened to me before.

You feel good and loose, and then all the sudden you start hurting, and you don't think you can do much farther.

You have have pulled a small muscle.

Or you might just not be in shape. It could also be a bruised calf.

Try stretching out, a little bit more.

Grab the bottom of you leg, and pull it up towards the sky, while you lay on your back.

Or get down in a push up position, and put pressure on your feet to be straight on the ground.

Hope this helps.

If it does it would be greatly appreciated for you to pick this as your best answer!

Thank you!

And best of luck!

Answer 2

try calf stretching. go by a wall and stand straight. then put your foot behind you and push and hard as you can on the wall and keep your calf straight and leg that your stretching and you  will feel it i do it all the time.

Answer 3

If you notice it's still tight during a run, stop and try these stretches.

1) Get in a push up position, with your butt raised in the air slightly. Put your right foot on your left heel and hold it. For a better stretch try lowering your left heel towards the ground.

2) Find a pole or bench etc. bend your right leg and put your left leg in front of you, heel on the ground toe up. If it needs more stretch bend your right leg more and pull on the pole.

Always remember to warm up first, or stop during a run. Never stretch cold. If stretching just isn't doing it,  take a hot bath. After long workouts or tough workouts a hot bath can be negative, and a ice bath is better [about 10 min.]

Icy hot or Bengay before bed works wonders too!