Injury of the Month - Calf Pain

[Physio John]

Now the holidays are over it seems everyone is picking up their running intensity again - The most common injury in the clinic last month was CALF PAIN.

The common denominator for 90% of those with calf pain (usually on push off) was lack of flexibility in the affected leg.

We found that when testing flexibility, by lifting the leg in a straight leg raise (while pulling up the front of the foot in to ankle dorsiflexion) the affected leg commonly had 15-20 degrees less flexion at the hip. If flexibility improves as the foot and ankle are released, this indicates a problem with the mobility of the nerves serving the back of the leg.

TREATMENT
This problem can be simply resolved by manipulating the spine where the nerves enter the lower spine (A job for your physio or osteopath!) It is then possible to resume a progressive loading through a programme of exercises. Your starting point for this depends on the grade of calf muscle tear - Get some professional advice on this.

OPEN CLINICS - Remember all the therapists at Moti offer 15 minute open clinics to get you back on track - You can book on-line or by calling the store 0117 973 7000

[physiojohn]

Calf pain fixed in 2 treatments!
I have just treated a 36 year old female runner, who has had right medial calf pain since November 2009.

She tried resting for 4-6 weeks, new shoes and stretching. But, every time she increased her running > 3 miles or up hill the calf "went".

On assessment we found straight leg raise reduced by 20deg on the affected side.

Treating her thoracic and lumbar spine with manipulation cleared the problem in 2 treatments. She has now run 10 miles including hills and is back on course for the Bath Half Marathon.