19/01/2026
Having been a runner for many years and competed in everything from track races to 200+mile events, I learned a few things.
Lately I’ve attempted to make a bit of a comeback but been struggling with sore calf muscles, listening to the niggles and problems my massage and training clients have - this is pretty common.
Here is what I’d do to resolve the issue.
🏃♀️ Warm up before any running - foam roll, few dynamic moves like toe jumps, ankle circles, knee to the wall stretches
🏃🏻♂️ Make sure you have the right shoes, running is a very repetitive movement, any wee issues with your foot strike will always cause problems and can be corrected very easily with the correct footwear
🏃♀️ Use of ice and heat - ice immediately after exercise and use heat to soothe between sessions
🏃🏻♂️ Support your calf with a compression sleeve or sports taping
🏃♀️ Cross train and strengthen the area. Use strength training to condition and develop the supporting muscles in the leg and give it a break by using non impact cardio means like the rower, swim, bike or cross trainer
🏃🏻♂️ If it could potentially be a cramp issue take on electrolytes pre and/or during your run also it goes without saying diet it critical for recovery and to support any training that you do
🏃♀️ Last but not least RECOVER more of the activity that’s aggravating your body will never be a solution to let it heal. Be aware of your own pain threshold and never push into a territory that will cause more problems. Massage, warm baths, ice therapy, massage gums, stretching and rolling can all be really useful in your recovery ❤️
