Tight Calf Muscles

Tight calf muscle symptoms tend to come on gradually and get worse while exercising (often during running). Sometime they will improve during the run only improve when the muscles cool down. This is a common problem in athletes particularly runners.

What are the reasons for the calf muscles tightening up?

• Compartment syndrome is a possible cause of tight calves.
• A bio mechanical problem that needs orthotics. A sports injury specialist or podiatrist can do bio mechanical analysis.
• If your stretching routine is not adequate your calves may tighten up over a period of time

Tiny micro tears in the muscles cause them to go into spasm. When they are in spasm or contracted then blood cannot easily get into them. The muscles have squeezed the blood out like a sponge. If the muscles do not get enough blood then they will not get enough nutrients and so will tighten up to protect themselves and weaken and so on.

What treatment is there for tight calf muscles?

• Test the flexibility of the muscles.
• Deep sports massage. This may need several treatment depending on severity of the injury.
• A professional can establish a stretching programme for you to follow.
• Continue to stretch for at least 6 weeks in order to see results.

Why might your stretch routine be ineffective?

• You may require a more comprehensive and prolonged routine.
• You might be stretching too hard. If you force the muscle the 'stretch reflex' is triggered which contracts it.
• If it is just one leg that is tight you could have pressure on the sciatic nerve which causes the tightness. See a specialist if this is the case.

Please the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Tight Calf Muscles and other causes of calf pain.