Calf Injury Question...

[Boingo]

I've been doing Cathe's monthly rotations consistantly for the last 3 or 4 months. Before that, I did more mixing up of things. In the warmer months, i'd run for my cardio, or do Turbo Jam, etc. For the last 4 months, it's been mostly Step.

So I ended up pulling a calf muscle last month. I immediately took a week "recovery/rest" from ANY kind of exercise (did all stretching , pilates and yoga for the week). It healed nicely, and felt fine. I started up with Cathe's February rotation, 3 days of cardio, and then 3 days of weights only without cardio.

I ended up having the same muscle pull into my second week of the rotation. I 'rested' it by doing strength the rest of the week.

It felt FINE today, but again, during IMAX 2 this afternoon, it went ZING, and it hurts once again. I think the exact move was the lunges off the step during the first interval.

Has this happened to anyone before? Are calf injuries typical in Step? How long does it take to heal? How long should I stop doing Step (my favorite form of cardio ever!!!). will I be able to do step again, even?

I would appreciate whatever information you have!

Thanks,
~Chris

 

[buffettgirl]

Chris, you need to speak to Shannon (SRP). She's been struggling with a calf injury for a while now. She's taking a day off from the computer, but should be around tomorrow.

 

[buffettgirl]

Chris, you need to speak to Shannon (SRP). She's been struggling with a calf injury for a while now. She's taking a day off from the computer, but should be around tomorrow.

 

[atiman]

It doesn't seem healed, even though you feel fine. I tried stepping also, but I felt those zings, too. I just avoided stepping for those weeks, because I didn't want to damage my calf any further.

It took me about 4 weeks to heal to step again and about 6 weeks to gain back my confidence.



Namita

 

[SRP]

Chris - when you say "zing," what exactly do you mean? Does it feel like something hit your calf, or that it kind of "popped?" Is there any bruising? How does it feel when you try to walk?

I tore my calf muscle way back at the end of September. I was at the end of Step Blast, and it felt like something kicked me from behind, and I actually stumbled. After that, it was very painful, and it was difficult to walk for several days. Since then, it's "popped" twice - both times not as bad as the first, but more like something jabbed me in the calf muscle. Once there was bruising, which is just another indiciation of a damaged muscle.

I've seen a regular doc, a physical therapist, and just recently an orthopedic surgeon. We have no idea why it's taking so long to heal. Most injuries of this type take maybe 4-6 weeks to heal.

Anyhow, enough of my woes. If your symptoms are similar, my very strong advice is to rest your lower body completely, and for more than a week. No aerobics, no hill climbing, and no lower body weights. My orthopedist allowed gentle walking, but that's it. He also prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine. He recommended stretching the calf eight times a day, for two minutes at a time, because it will help to prevent the calf from forming tight scar tissue.

You might want to see a doctor, especially if there's swelling. Take a tape measure and measure both calves to see. Otherwise, rest, rest, rest. And ice. Don't forget ice!

Good luck. Let me know if I can be of any help.

 

[Boingo]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate you sharing your experiences!

The "zing" feels like a charlie horse cramp. I was actually able to continue my workout, but without the step, and 'babying' my calf for the rest of the hour. It felt sore the rest of the afternoon and evening, I was a bit limpy. There's been no bruising.

The pain eased up overnight, and just feels a little sore today.

I'm really thinking I need to get off the step for a while.

I did Cardio & Weights today, but WITHOUT the step (just did the moves on the floor). The calf felt a bit sore, but it was do-able. I would modify anything that stretched it too much.

I don't think it's as severe as what you say happened to you Shannon! That sounds horrible, and more reason for me to do what I can to heal this, so it doesn't get so severe! how hard for you!

Namita... Thanks for the info on how many weeks it took you to heal too. And once the 4-6 weeks of no step pass, I'm going to mix up my cardio more, add running, kickboxing instead of all Step.

Does that sound right?

~Chris

 

[SRP]

Chris - I'm glad you've decided to take an extended rest. Once it's over, test that muscle first, and build up your strength carefully - don't just jump back into it full force.

Another thing - about two or three days before my injury happened, I was doing a low-impact step routine. My calf cramped up, but like you, I was able continue my workout. The next few days were weights and a rest day. The next time I did cardio, the muscle tore. I'm just telling you this so you'll be careful!!!