Sore calves and can't sleep. Ice or heat?

Question

I over did it taking my kids on a walk(2 toddlers in a stroller). we took on a couple of hills. Anyway now my calves and ankles are sore, really tight and i'm having trouble sleeping. I tried tylenol and stretching but its not helping much. It hurts more when I try to lay down and my calves feel like they're bruise even though they're not. Would ice or heat be better? I don't think I really injured myself. I'm just really sore

Answer 1

I received a magnet from my chiropractor and it's very helpful.  It has two columns on the magnet and says when to use Cold/when to use Heat.  Use cold (ice pack) after an injury, cold packs to area 15-20 minutes-3 times a day, and wrap damp cloth towel around bag and place on skin.  Use heat (heating pad/heat pack) on OLD chronicc injury, use damp heat 15-20 minutes-2 times a day on affected areas, use no sooner than 72 hours after an injury, and place towel between heating pad.

If you were actually injured before use heat, but you're leg muscles are probably just sore from being pushed so much.  Drink water, this is the key!  Your body just had a nice workout and needs water and rest.  By morning you should feel slightly better, but it should be a good 24 hours before you feel normal again.  It's normal and yes, painkillers will help you fall asleep.  Good job on you walk though, your children I'm sure loved it.

Answer 2

Hi you over worked the muscle. Do both put on ice for 5 min and then some heat for 5 min you can also use some gel. Also try to walk a little to get the muscles going - DONT over do it

Answer 3

I'm no doctor, but I think for tight sore muscles you use heat, and for swelling you use ice.  if you have both, then you use one for 15 minutes and switch to the other for 15 minutes.

Good luck!

Answer 4

For me, I usually will put some leg warmers or old socks that go up to the knees on.  The warmth of them feels good.  Take some Aleve to help with the pain/swelling/tenderness.  Take a break from walking for a day or two until you have given your legs a rest.  Hope you feel better.