Overused Calf / Shin

An overloaded calf can significantly hinder your daily activities, especially during running and walking. The pain usually arises from excessive exertion or incorrect technique. The function of the calf muscle is to flex and extend the knee. If you continue to overload the calf, the muscle may tear. This can be resolved by taking adequate rest. Want to know more about an overloaded calf? Read on.

What is an overloaded calf?

An overloaded calf is also known as surmenage of the gastrocnemius muscle. This is a two-headed calf muscle located at the back of the lower leg. It is attached to the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. The muscle becomes visible when flexed.

How does a calf become overloaded?

A calf becomes overloaded due to excessive strain on the muscle. This can be the result of intense training or repetitive movement. The muscle is overused, leading to pain and overuse symptoms. Below are the most common causes of calf overuse:

• Overly intense training
• Poor warm-up or cool-down
• Improper footwear
• Incorrect running technique
• Sudden increase in activity
• Muscle weakness or imbalance

What are the symptoms of a calf overuse injury?

There are several symptoms that indicate the muscle is overloaded. If you're experiencing pain in your calf, it might be due to overuse. Other common signs of an overloaded calf include:

• Dull, aching pain
• The muscle feels warm
• Swollen calf muscle
• Stiffness in the calf
• Reduced strength and mobility
• Tenderness when touching the calf

Diagnosis

The symptoms mentioned above may point to a calf overuse injury. However, it’s also possible that a muscle tear is present instead. With overuse, the muscle becomes irritated at the back of the knee. In the case of a tear, also known as a calf strain or "tennis leg," the muscle is actually torn. In that case, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Calf treatment

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and suspect a calf overuse injury, it's important to rest. Reducing the strain on the muscle will help it heal faster. Avoid long-distance running or intense twisting movements. Here are some measures you can take to relieve the pain:

Self-care

If you're dealing with calf pain but don’t have much time to rest, make sure to take good care of yourself with the following steps. This way, you can continue your daily tasks:

• Calf stretching exercises
• Wearing a brace
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Create a treatment plan with a physiotherapist

How long does a calf overuse injury take to heal?

Do you recognize the symptoms of an overloaded calf? Don’t wait too long to treat it. The sooner you take action, the quicker your recovery will be! If the pain doesn’t subside, contact your doctor. For a faster recovery and extra support, using a brace may help — such as the calf brace from Podobrace.

Do you have questions about which brace is most suitable for your specific complaint, or another question? Please contact our team of specialists. We’re happy to help support you with your symptoms.