Tight calf, knee pain?

Question

I have recently started running, and have been swimming and doing water aerobics. The back of my knee (right on the outside edge) started hurting, and about the same time a muscle in the upper outside area of my calf started feeling tight. My knee keeps popping and giving me a lot of pain, and I feel like I can't unbend it completely. It also feels unstable sometimes, like it's going to give out. I'm thinking I haven't been stretching it out well enough, but I don't know what to do about it now. Any suggestions? I have no insurance, so I'd rather not go to a doctor if I can avoid it.

Answer 1

im not sure, but it could just be shin splints. this can be fixed very easily. ice the hurt shin, or when you are sitting on your couch, write your name in the air by rotating your ankle, this helps by stretching your calf. hope this helps

Answer 2

I been running track for about 5 years and I have the same problem. I do   a little thing my coach calls "toeies". Toesies are just liftng yourself up onto your toes, hold for 5 seconds, then releasing back onto your heels. I also do occasional squats to strengthen my knees. To keep alot of strain of of your knee while doing squats is to use a medical/yoga ball. You place it between your back and the wall. While leaning on the ball, you roll it down with your back till your at a 90 degree angle or a sitting position. Stay in you sitting position for a minute then release. You take a minute break and do it again. Altogether you should do 4 reps. You could also put a heating substance such as on the area that hurts right before you exercise. DO NOT USE ICY-HOT BEFORE EXERCISING. You don't want anything that will cool the area while you are exercising. It will only make it hurt more. Once done exercising do a cool-down lap then immediately put ice on the area. Just remember Warming-up = heat Cooling down = ice. A gel supported knee brace will also help too.

I hope my personal experiences help you out.