Discussion: Calf rehab

That pace seems a bit quick. When I am recovering from a calf issue I start with little jogs at 10 min/mile pace interspersed with walks. Eg walk 5 min, jog 5 min, repeat...

My physio reminds me all the time that men (particularly) of our age (roughly) very often develop a lot of calf problems.
A lot of calf care and rehab and listening to when things aren't right.
I am not good at getting rehab right.
Don't be me.

Does your physio offer any advice at how to avoid the calf problems in the first place?

Kim recommends lots of heel raises.

Yes. Lots of calf raises. And maintaining the "bounce" - so hopping, jumping, skipping etc.

Ta.

I'm biased, but i think a lot of calf problems aren't started by the calf / aren't a problem *with* the calf - it's lack of flexibility & "give" in the system above the calf - the glutes, the lower back even; the hamstrings. Sadly, it's the calf that can pay the price for this lack of "wiggle room" in the higher-up tightness (and achilles too, sometimes).

Should i get a snitchy calf on a run, once I stretch out my glutes, my calf immediately gets relief & i run on.

Weirdly for me, I've not pulled a calf now for about 8 years. It's got better with age. Probably luck. I'd agree with Chas re heel raises as well, though.

"The leg bone's connected to the.... hip bone" - it's all part of one big system. And we're supposed to look after all of it.

I think Phil has a point about the glutes. I used to concentrate all my stretching on calves and hamstrings but since I have started including glute stretches I've had less calf issues. I think...

Ah! Interesting. Makes sense. I actually *never* stretch my calves now. I do glutes & hammys. that's it.

My bias comes from years of an osteo (for my back), and also a physio/osteo (for my leg injuries), both telling me this stuff about everything connected / "give" in the system.

Let's hope your calves do indeed stay intact Charlie! And Simon can recover in time for more Turfing.

Turfing! That is soooo last month! Orienteering is the new black.

Orienteering? What's that? Not sure I recall.
I've started my March Turf in earnest. Rumour has it PFO want to challenge BOK to a Turf head-to-head. Starting April. We'll win, obviously ;-)