Was swimming a workout the other day (at about week 4 of getting back into swimming - exercise of any sort really - in past couple years.. feeling great, already lost about 12Lbs.. Form feeling better and seriously contemplating entering some events for the first time in the 32 years I've been around this planet) and did something to my right calf.
I felt a bit crampy here or there during a kick set and ignored it (mistake #1). Went on to the next freestyle swim I was doing, no problems so continued the workout. Came to a fly set with fins and half way up the 25 (I was going as fast as I could) I stopped instantly and grabbed my right leg. Worst calf cramp I ever had. Muscle was all balled up in one tight ball (i'm not that in shape... don't have cycler's calfs yet ;-) so I knew it wasn't right). Limped to other side of pool, tore the fin off and tried to relax my foot position.
Ended up working it out to the point I could straighten my leg but this was a few days ago now (Thursday night on a day I didn't hydrate enough being on the road with client visits all day)
The pain is still there. Especially in the morning or after driving/sitting for a bit. Pretty pain full stretching my leg out, even more painful if I try and pull my toes straight up or stretch my calf.
I'm assuming I did more than get a calf cramp. I can put full weight on just gingerly. My guess is a pulled or torn muscle but I can put weight on it and after walking around a bit and working it it is functional, just sore.
Happen to you? How long did you stay out of the pool? I really want to get back in this weekend or Monday because I am making such good progress but I don't want to hurt it worse...
I've been drinking water, eating bananas and getting calcium (and mag to help absorption) and a bit of ibuprofen like a mad man since... :-)
:rant3:
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Former Member
I had close to the same thing happen two days ago. I was doing calf raises, with the machine, and when I was on my last 5 reps, my calves cramped up but I pushed through and finished. Now my calves feel like they are permanently cramped up. I try to stretch them when I'm sitting/laying down, but when I stand I can't stand flat footed and stand straight up at the same time for the first few minutes. Any help on what to do to make it better or at least bearable is welcomed.
I had close to the same thing happen two days ago. I was doing calf raises, with the machine, and when I was on my last 5 reps, my calves cramped up but I pushed through and finished. Now my calves feel like they are permanently cramped up. I try to stretch them when I'm sitting/laying down, but when I stand I can't stand flat footed and stand straight up at the same time for the first few minutes. Any help on what to do to make it better or at least bearable is welcomed.
