Calf pain while running can be caused by improper warm-up, tension, dehydration, mineral deficiency, poor circulation, or wearing the wrong shoes. To prevent calf pain, stretch before and after running, wear proper attire, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy diet.
Calf pain when running is often the result of improper warm-up or excessive tension on the calf or lower leg muscle. Other causes can be dehydration, mineral deficiency, poor circulation, or wearing the wrong running shoes. A number of steps can be taken to avoid calf pain while running, and also to prevent calf injuries. These steps include performing lower leg stretches and calf exercises before running, buying the right shoes, wearing compression calf sleeves, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Proper warming up before a run or other strenuous exercise is perhaps one of the best tips for avoiding calf pain while running. Lower leg stretches and other calf exercises should also be done after physical activity to give the body a chance to warm up precisely. Common calf stretches include the floor stretch, the wall stretch, and the standing calf stretch. Both serious runners and regular exercisers may find it beneficial to invest in a calf stretching machine.
Calf pain while running can also be avoided by wearing the right sports attire during exercise. Do not restrict body movement by wearing clothing that is too tight. Clothing and shoes that are too tight can restrict blood flow and create poor circulation, which can lead to calf injuries or muscle strain. It is especially important to wear a proper running shoe that provides adequate support and comfort. Calf compression sleeves can also provide additional support to your lower leg and can help prevent calf pain while running.
Dehydration can also be a contributing cause of calf pain while running. Strenuous activities, such as running or exercising, generally cause the body to lose large amounts of fluid through perspiration. Additional moisture is lost through respiration. Because exercise commonly results in heavier, deeper breathing, more fluid is likely to be lost while running. It is important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water before and after any strenuous physical activity.
The body not only loses water during strenuous activity, it also loses nutrients. Mineral deficiency and lack of proper nutrition can also be a cause of calf pain when running. Therefore, it is important to maintain a proper diet and consume foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Athletes may find it beneficial to take multivitamin supplements in addition to maintaining a well-balanced diet with foods rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals.
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