Help! Any physical therapists/ personal trainers out there?

Nate. I'm not a physio, but I've spent enough time in pain to learn a few things. Sounds to me like you've overworked your calf muscle, which simply wasn't warmed up to this triathlon idea. Ice will reduce both the swelling and the pain, and can be used several times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time. IF there isn't much swelling, you can alternate the ice with a heating pad, with a transition period in between. The trick is to increase the blood flow to the muscle, which at the moment is seized tight. Gentle massage will also help - but watch the bruising - and it can be painful, so use that as your guide. I've also found things like Tiger Balm and BenGay helpful, if you can put up with the smell.

 

If you went to see a regular doctor, I suggest finding a doctor with a specialty in sports medicine. S/he'll have a little more experience with injuries as they relate to exercise.

 

naterprius,

Have you checked out www.runnersworld.com (when it's up) and www.coolrunning.com?

I'd 2nd the recommendation to see a sports doctor. In my case, I've got an exposed nerve ending that is just something to live with. I run at about the same speed.

I was around your neck of the woods at the Colorado Marathon, then later at the Pikes Peak Marathon this year.

Wild, wild guess - doing too much too soon (but I'm guilty of that big time)

 

I'm not an expert on this but have had my share of leg and ankle issues so I'm just throwing out some ideas. Calf stretching from a standing position can be done with a straight knee and a slightly bent knee. Stretching with a slightly bent knee targets the lower calf area.

You might also try stretching the calf from a sitting position.
From http://www.stretchingusa.com/aboutAISFAQs.cfm#faq2
"The best stretching position for a relaxed calf is performed in a sitting position. Place a rope or strap around the ball of the foot. Keep the knee straight. Lift the foot and ankle backwards and assist with a rope. For greater specificity turn foot inward 20 degrees and lift the ankle back to stretch outer belly of calf. Next turn the foot outward 20 degrees and pull ankle back to stretch inner belly of calf. As the calf becomes more flexible, lean the upper body forward 15-20 degrees to provide greater stretch potential.

This year I discovered a remarkable homeopathic anti-inflammatory topical or oral product called Traumeel. I've used the "ointment" (more like a cream) on my inflamed Achilles tendon with great results. It also comes in gel and oral tablet form. Since I became aware of it, I've met other people that have great results using it, too.

Good Luck!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Oct 25 2006, 10:30 PM) [snapback]338398[/snapback]</div>

It may be getting a bit cold out, but kayaking/canoing can provide a great cardio workout without aggravating any leg muscles.

 

Hey Evan.......

Shouldn't naterprius be using 325 mg asprin just in case it is a bloot clot after all? Or should those dissipate after a period of time?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Jan 26 2007, 06:16 PM) [snapback]381397[/snapback]</div>

Nate, thanks for the update. I'm sure you know to take it easy after the splint comes off. How much rehab time will you need?

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Nate,

I'm no expert on your injury but I do know that it's important to intake proper minerals, especially when working out. You'll be sweating these out and nutritional deficiencies of these can cause cramping. Though this doesn't seem to be your current problem, it should definitely help prevent any future trouble. Also, make sure you stretch correctly. It's not a great idea to stretch before working out as your muscles aren't warmed up. Engage in a little light activity, then stretch, then work out, then stretch again.

Good luck w/ your race.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Oct 25 2006, 07:30 PM) [snapback]338398[/snapback]</div>

Did you specifically mention this point to your doctor? While standing can you "tap" the foot up and down as well as the other one?

I'm not a doctor, but I have foot drop due to a bulging lumbar disc, without many other symptoms (very little back pain, etc.). The "foot drop" means I have lost the ability to flex the foot up, and I get terrible cramps at night (I also trip during the day if I'm not careful). I thought it was a muscular problem.

I'm in treatment for it now, but if you didn't mention this particular fact to your doctor, he may have missed it. Mine did. If you are limited in the amount you can flex your foot up, go back to your doctor, and he'll recommend a neurology consult to determine the cause, as its a nerve issue rather than a muscle issue. There's a whole host of scary stuff it could be, including vitamin poisoning, diabetes, etc., or a compression of the nerve at the lumbar region of the back.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Oct 25 2006, 07:30 PM) [snapback]338398[/snapback]</div>

I missed this thread when it was new.

If you belong to a health club, they may have one of those arm cardio machines. It's like a hand-powered bicycle. If your arms are strong enough (as yours probably are, since you swim competitively) you can get a hard workout on it.

Alternatively, go to the pool, and hold a float between your legs and swim with your arms only.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Jan 27 2007, 08:56 AM) [snapback]381675[/snapback]</div>

Glad to hear it. I know how awful it can be to be unable to exercise, whether due to illness or to injury.