How can I fix my really sore calves from running and walking?

Question

I've always run a lot (so it's not like this is a new habit), and I also power walk at least one hour everyday. Usually I run about 30-40 minutes about 5-6 days a week. Lately, for some reason, my calves have been really sore, when I'm resting and especially when I walk (the back of my calves, and the front, the shins, are both really sore). Why is this? How can I fix it? Is it okay to run with sore calves?

Answer 1

Sounds like delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)...You may be  over training or your not getting the proper nutrition.  How old are you?  On a side note, as a female you should really be taking calcium supplements as females are more susceptible to osteoperosis.  

Try to supplement your diet with a good whey protein shake directly after your workouts.  The soreness that you are experiencing is due to a combination of things.  When you exert your muscles (running or lifting weights) you are actually causing micro-tears on the muscle fiber itself.  This is not a bad thing as it's part of making a muscle stronger.  Muscle soreness is also thought to be caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.  Lactic acid is a waste product that your muscles produce.  Your muscles need protein in order to repair itself... You can get relatively cheap whey protein.  Designer protein is fairly cheap tastes alright.  The plain version is great for adding to smoothies or juice.

Do a google search for 'delayed onset muscle soreness' and read up on it.  You know the pain that you are experiencing the best and should be able to diagnose it.  I don't think that this is anything serious, but if it seems like your muscles aren't recovering, you're definitely over training and or aren't getting the proper nutrition.  Take it easy and let those muscles recover before you go out.

Answer 2

After running do stretching a lot.

Answer 3

you have to ice them that really dose work .. do that and you'll see ..I'm a runner to truest me it works

Answer 4

So you power walk 1 hr. a day and also run 30-40 min. 5/6 days a week as well.......how far do you cover on your runs??  How long have you been doing this (said its not a new habit)?  Maybe over doing it a little........when I train a lot (more than should) the back of my calves are very sore.  Once I get running though they loosen up, but when finished same as your experiencing.  But I haven't had the shin problem or I'd back off for sure, this is due to your calves being inbalanced.  Do some calf raises with weights.......this should help a lot along with stretching.  Could be doing to much too quickly??

Answer 5

stretch before and after

also...get a pedicure after ^_^  the massages feel sooo nice!

Answer 6

Are you drinking enough water?  Eat bananas and other fruit. drink water and take vitamins, use warn packs to relax your  calves. meditate and make your body relax when running