Random Calf Pain

[carolyn]

Im just curious as to what others ideas might be.

 

My calves rarely hurt while or after Ive been climbing ice over the last few seasons. This year I have started getting incredible soreness usually a few days AFTER Ive climbed. Serious soreness...like I used to get when I first started climbing ice. Typically it lasts 3-4 days. This has happened twice in the past month.

 

Dehydration? I dunno? I seem to do a fairly good job of being hydrated and staying hydrated while I climb. Maybe not such a good job afterwards? (God damn beer! ). On the other hand, they are definately NOT cramps which usually come with dehydration.

 

Stress? Can that cause soreness like this in such a random spot?

 

Lack of stretching? I admit I stretch a lot less during ice season. If it had to do with stretching wouldnt it affect me the day after, Not days later.

 

I dunno. Its not that big of a deal. Again, I was just curious to hear others' hypothesis.

[K_Y_L_E]

Probabbly just Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Suggests you did too much too fast and you need to build some strength and flexibility in the off-season. Ice and light stretching will be your friend for a while.

I doubt it but it could also be chronic compartment syndrome. There are 4 compartments in your low leg. If one of them swells up it can cause pressure on arteries veins nerves and muscles. But this would cause a host of other symptoms. Given what you said I would bet on D.O.M.S.

Dink lots of water or gatorade, eat right, get some potassium, work on your lower extremity flexibility, especially your gastrocnemius and soleus. Lastly, ice 'em down after you are done. It will help reduce swelling and pain. Ibuprofen or tylenol may help too.

 

Good luck.

peace

Kyle

[OlegV]

My wife is a long distance runner. She experienced chronic compartment syndrome after too much training. She recently got more serious problems with her legs - microfractures from continious mechanical stress while she runs. Check with the doctor, do MRI, rest for two weeks, drink electrolites while climbing and do calf exaecise 5 times a week.