Mad calf disease
Written by: Dan Empfield
Date: Tue Jul 21 2009
Mad Calf Disease is annoying and if you're north of 40 years in age you'll catch it sooner or later.
When I was younger my calves might get sore. This, through the first run of the year in spikes or racing flats. Or, after a track workout featuring shorter, faster intervals. That's not "mad calf" and, in any case, this soreness lasts a few days, not several weeks (as is the case with mad calf disease).
What I'm referring to happens at any speed, but generally to runners in or entering their 40s or 50s. Whether middle-agers new to running, or those returning to the sport of their youth, that maddening pull or strain accompanying a run even at the slowest of paces will take weeks to mend every time it strikes.
This doesn't typically happen to younger runners. Why us oldsters? The extra weight we carry? Probably not, because this did not happen to us in our youth while carrying water bottle packs, or running uphill. Less elastic, or less capable, soft and connective tissue? Maybe.
In my experience, it's metabolic. But it took me years to realize it. What starts out as an apparent strain, getting worse as I continue to run on it, is not a strain at all. It's a spasm. But it's minor, and doesn't seem like a cramp. It's not an injury when it first manifests itself, but it becomes one if and if and when I continue to run.
The solution? When you feel it, stop running and start walking. Walk for another minute after the sensation goes away. Resume running. If it comes back later in the run, repeat the remedy. If you do this, your calves will remain whole.
Why did I not discover the solution for better than a decade after first experiencing this? Because I never used to truncate a run — I just ran through a calf strain. Sometimes, the solution above is inconvenient. What if it happens in a race? Then you have a choice: save your race, or save your calf.
When I was younger my calves might get sore. This, through the first run of the year in spikes or racing flats. Or, after a track workout featuring shorter, faster intervals. That's not "mad calf" and, in any case, this soreness lasts a few days, not several weeks (as is the case with mad calf disease).
What I'm referring to happens at any speed, but generally to runners in or entering their 40s or 50s. Whether middle-agers new to running, or those returning to the sport of their youth, that maddening pull or strain accompanying a run even at the slowest of paces will take weeks to mend every time it strikes.
This doesn't typically happen to younger runners. Why us oldsters? The extra weight we carry? Probably not, because this did not happen to us in our youth while carrying water bottle packs, or running uphill. Less elastic, or less capable, soft and connective tissue? Maybe.
In my experience, it's metabolic. But it took me years to realize it. What starts out as an apparent strain, getting worse as I continue to run on it, is not a strain at all. It's a spasm. But it's minor, and doesn't seem like a cramp. It's not an injury when it first manifests itself, but it becomes one if and if and when I continue to run.
The solution? When you feel it, stop running and start walking. Walk for another minute after the sensation goes away. Resume running. If it comes back later in the run, repeat the remedy. If you do this, your calves will remain whole.
Why did I not discover the solution for better than a decade after first experiencing this? Because I never used to truncate a run — I just ran through a calf strain. Sometimes, the solution above is inconvenient. What if it happens in a race? Then you have a choice: save your race, or save your calf.
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Comments
mad calf
oldjohn
Reviewed by: John , Oct 30 2009 9:49AM
This sounds very much like what I am currently struggling with especially the spasm aspect in the soleus. Mine seems to be closely linked to my conversion to the new method of running - Pose, Chi ... Also, when I first ran in Newtons. My theory is that it is caused by the strain from the increased landing force when the muscle is contracting eccentrically.
Any thoughts on this???
Any thoughts on this???
Mad Calf
Dan Empfield
Reviewed by: Martin Meyer, Oct 24 2009 6:30AM
After a couple of years of trying to determine what was happening to my calf it was fun to hear from someone that has experienced the same thing as I. No medical professional could identify it, although my descriptions and their diagnosis were communicated while on bike rides with them and not in the exam room. We considered compartment syndrom, hydration cramps, and plain ol' muscle pulls. All were rulled out. Compression socks work but only to a degree. I seem to think that stretching and spinal alighnment are a solution (nothing scientific) I like your identification of the problem but I want some other solution than just stop running(although it works).
Mad Calf
Dan Emphield
Reviewed by: Marc Evans, Aug 29 2009 8:12PM
There are a lot of possibilities of which the first is an assessment of foot biomechanics, flexibility and perhaps, strength of anterior/posterior tibialis muscles. An athlete should rule out any compensatory issues before making assumptions.
However, the author is correct in that electrolyte imbalances can and do often cause calf strains. So, another fundamental part of coaching is making sure athletes understand and follow sound nutritional guidelines.
However, the author is correct in that electrolyte imbalances can and do often cause calf strains. So, another fundamental part of coaching is making sure athletes understand and follow sound nutritional guidelines.
Drink lots of water
Reviewed by: M Jack, Aug 27 2009 11:50AM
I've been dealing with this same issue for the last 5 years. I found drinking lots of water and avoiding to much running downhill to help. As the article suggests I also stop well before a full cramp comes on to stretch it out.
Mad Calf Disease
Reviewed by: Bill, Aug 21 2009 11:20AM
I too have suffered from recurring calf strain - interesting though, only in the left calf. After months of frustration and many dollars of PT, etc., I have found that ART from my chiropractor to be the answer. I also stretch, and do self soft tissue massage with the Stick, a baseball, etc.
Good article, but could have used more by way of a solution.
Good article, but could have used more by way of a solution.
