So I've got a problem with pulling muscles. I used to swim a lot and would pull my calf muscle at least once every few days, if not more. Since it's usually in a pool my leg doesn't need to support anything and I can tread with only my hands for a minute or two- enough to get to the side of the pool. Unfortunately, yesterday I pulled both my calves while running. First off, I never pull muscles when running. In fact, yesterday I was only on my first lap when it happened, even though I stretched well and ran a few warm up laps. Weird. Also, when I do feel strain on my muscles while running, it is always on my thighs, never my calves. I've never had sore calves during running. I'm thinking this time around it's because I didn't have running shoes on me.
Anyways, being that I'm on land I really had no idea what to do. I need that leg to keep standing, but usually my leg get's locked into pain so I can't do much. Are there any tricks to dealing with it? So far I find my best trick is to keep walking slowly to keep the muscle loose, rather than stiffening up when sitting down. Butt kicks, or any leg motion behind me seems fine, whereas any forward motion with the leg is excruciating.
Also, is my muscle really pulled? When I hear someone mention a pulled muscle they mention mild discomfort, but when I pull one it's excruciating pain that immobilizes my leg. It takes me 30 seconds just for my mind to clear up so I can start forcing my self to relax. I've broken my arm before, and it felt nothing compared to pulling a muscle. When I feel my calf it's very very firm if not dead stiff, as if I was working out (not in a million years
). Sometimes it feels like there's a knot or large bump as well. So to reclarify, is this a pulled muscle or something else?
At the least it's very annoying and it's a pain in the ass (and leg). Any help other than the normal relax the leg, walk it off. Usually I'm good within 24 hours. Today my calves are a little sore but I can still run, so nothing permanent like a ripped muscle or ligament.