Started running again - calf pain

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I've asked a few people this question and have seemed to get totally different answers, so thought I'd put it to the wisdom of PH...

A bit of background - Around 2-3 years ago I moved for a job and ended up working late most nights/weekends, not cooking for myself etc. This coupled with the fact I regularly get migraines when I exercise, I ended up putting on quite a bit of weight. Now I think I have cured my migraines (completely cutting out artificial sweetener after someone on PH mentioned it) and have started to gradually try and get back to my previous weight/fitness. I'm 2 stone down so far with core exercises every morning and now running (as of 6 weeks ago) 4 times a week.

Now I was out for a run the other day, only managed to do 2k and had to stop there and then with sudden calf pain in both legs. I've never had anything like it before, it took me about 20 mins to hobble the 5 min walk home.

I know "man up" etc etc, but just wondered if it was something missing from my diet (more protein?) as someone has suggested or there's anything I can do to stop it happening. It would be great if anyone could enlighten me on cause or prevention?

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goldblum said:

I know you said calf..but was it to the side of the calf muscle at all? Could be shin splints.

I have had a shint splint a few times when running in the past, but have taken it easy this time and it doesn't feel as though it's in that place or that sort of pain.

a boardman said:

Where in north west are you based, are you member of running club.

Based Didsbury, south Manchester. Not a member of a running club, been doing short distances on my own - no more than 15k a week

mattikake said:

Was it cramping, sharp, stabbling, sore, burning, tingling, shooting? Or a combination of those?

It was an ache, followed by burning from ankle to knee and shooting simultaneously.

[APanda]

I have been incorporating a fairly steep hill into my run for the last few weeks or so...

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goldblum said:

Steep hill in Didsbury? You lie,lol.

We keep our hills well hidden from outsiders

Come to think of it, it's the only hill I can think of for miles around, maybe I should re-think my route.

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rog007 said:

Agree. This is a common complaint and half expected when going from nothing to a lot. It's clearly telling you something, so worth a listen. Asuming pain has subsided, rest for 3 weeks then very slowly begin by walking, then walking/jogging, then running. If it comes back, stop and rest or 6 weeks. Then try same routine again. In the meantime, swimming may be your best bet to maintain fitness without impacting upon your calves. As I'm not a physio, I'd have this advice confirmed by a profesional. Good luck!

I think I'm going to have to take up a low-impact exercise for a while, tried running tonight and only managed a mile without pain returning. This pretty much echoes what most people have said, which is probably more of an actual injury or strain.