Knot in my calf... GRRRRRR

[saysay]

After a great run in my first 10k in 10 years, I have a knot in my calf that is a little painful. Not horrible, but it hurts a little - esp to touch when massaging. To compound things, its my "bad foot". The one with the plantar faciitis....that I am almost over.

The race was thanksgiving morning and didn't feel the knot until last night.

Was thinking of getting "The stick". Any comments or suggestions on this.

Because of my foot I have a Pro stretch I use..which I forgot yesterday, so need to make sure I am stretching out, just wonrdering if there was something else I could be doing....or should I consider any kind of compression gear. I know I don't have to spend a ton on running, but just trying to stay injury free for the princess. I stretched out after the 10k so not sure what is going on, it was a hilly course though and I had my best pace ever.

Just been massaging out several times. and hydrating myself. My arch is feeling a little sore today as well which I am sure is related, but what do I know, I am no doctor.

I swear 10 years ago when I was running I ever had these issues, getting old is taking its toll on me. I think I am def getting massage after the princess.

Thanks for your wisdom and encouragement in advance.

 

[cewait]

After a great run in my first 10k in 10 years, I have a knot in my calf that is a little painful. Not horrible, but it hurts a little - esp to touch when massaging. To compound things, its my "bad foot". The one with the plantar faciitis....that I am almost over.

The race was thanksgiving morning and didn't feel the knot until last night.

Was thinking of getting "The stick". Any comments or suggestions on this.

Because of my foot I have a Pro stretch I use..which I forgot yesterday, so need to make sure I am stretching out, just wonrdering if there was something else I could be doing....or should I consider any kind of compression gear. I know I don't have to spend a ton on running, but just trying to stay injury free for the princess. I stretched out after the 10k so not sure what is going on, it was a hilly course though and I had my best pace ever.

Just been massaging out several times. and hydrating myself. My arch is feeling a little sore today as well which I am sure is related, but what do I know, I am no doctor.

I swear 10 years ago when I was running I ever had these issues, getting old is taking its toll on me. I think I am def getting massage after the princess.

Thanks for your wisdom and encouragement in advance.

The stick is one option but another option that works for many (me included) is a foam roller. It is cheaper than the stick and uses you body weight to break up the knot. With the stick you really gotta dig in using arm force...many of us just back out of the work once the pain kicks in. In a pinch you kitchen roller will also work!

You are looking to roll (with either appliance) from one end of the calf muscle to the other end. Stop and let the muscle relxe at any point where you feel pain. You are attmpting to remove the knot in the muscle. If you stop before the tissue releases you have to go digging again - for diminished returns. Remember that there are 3 muscles that need work. The center is the easiest but then do the same with the toe pointed in and the toe pointed out to catch the two outter muscles.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Best Christmas present ever! -- foam roller. Ouch, but it does seem to work. Hope you can stay injury free for the Princess.

 

[Bookwood]

As a strengthener try standing on one foot with your eyes closed, and picking small objects (ie dice) with your toes both of those seem to give my lower leg a great workout.

 

[Rose&Mike]

I use the stick for knots in my calves/ to ward off plantar. It works great, but is definitely not a pleasant experience--but much better than plantar, so worth it. Good luck.

 

[saysay]

Thanks everyone! I ran today 4 miles and it went well. I have been using my rolling pin thanks to your advice until I get foam from a friend who sells PT equipment, she is just giving me one for free can't beat that! I think I will put "the stick" on my list for xmas. Yeah, the rolling pin is not fun and my husband has had a little sadistic pleasure massaging out my leg, but agree, not near as bad as the PF was.

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Hey y'all,

I want to jump on the band wagon and get myself one of these roller thingies, but when I went to look online there seems to be so many choices - which one do y'all have? I am seeing ones that cost from $3.00 to $50.00 - now I am not one for spending money on expensive things when I don't need to but I am imagining that the $3.00 is probably not a good idea?

Kirsty