Been a long while since I experience serious pain from running. Been trying a lot on short distance speed running lately. The first strain came when I was doing speed work just last week at the tracks. Doing the Pyramids ( 400m , 800m, 1200m at maximum effort ) and coming down. I broke around the fourth set. The pain is something really new to me as I had always been very careful not to over exert, even during longer races, I had hardly experience such form of pain.
It was a sharp pain that comes from the back of the shin on the calf. For my case, it was the right calf. The pain came sharply making one unable to carry on the speed or even to walk properly. It almost felt like a cramp, except there was a tearing feel to it.
Immediate treatment
The first thing to do is to stop any activities. Sit down and apply RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. As ice was not available. I replaced with with a cold towel. After a few minutes, I try to wriggle my toes and rotate my ankles to make sure that there was still sensation. There was some pain but it was not as sharp as the previous. Then I slowly massage the affected area, after a few minutes, it was better and I walked home slowly.
Causes for Calf Pain and Tear
Usually calf problems occur within footballers and sprinters because of the need for speed and acceleration in the sports they play. It can also occur if there is a sudden change in direction for the leg. I guess my case was due to acceleration.
Treatment and Care
Everyone’s case is different. If after resting 2-3 weeks and you still experience the pain, then you should see a specialist on this matter. If the pain is immediate and you really cannot move, you will need to seek medical attention immediately. Avoid aggravating the calf by doing more speed or over straining it. Give it a good massage, roll and ice it once the pain occur.
Be realistic about your training and always know that some rest is better than losing the ability to do sports.