Tight calves are generally a raise no major concern. They will become annoying and potentially lead to more tedious chronic pain. Nothing serious, but certainly unwelcomed discomfort. When this happens what can you do?
Well, first let’s dive into the ‘why’ of this issue. What can cause you to have painful or tight calves?
Muscle weakness and Inadequate Stretching: It’s rare that tight calves are experienced without weak/tight hamstrings or glutes. When the glutes and hammies tighten up, they will redistribute the demands or everyday movement, such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting and standing, to the calves. Consider strengthening and stretches your hamstrings and glutes constantly.
I recommending adding the following to your daily routine for stronger more flexible glutes and hamstrings.
- Hip Thrusts: (start video at the 1:25 mark): 1 set of 20 reps
- Hip Abduction: 1 set of 15 reps/each leg
- Standing Wide Stance Hamstring Stretch: 60 seconds/each hamstring
- Downward Facing Dog (start video at the 0:35 mark): 60 seconds
Genetics: One of the inconvenient truths of life. Some people are just predisposed to tight calves.
Shoes: You know how girl often express the painful experience of wearing high-heeled shoes. Well, they’re not being wimps. The calves are kept in a perpetual state of muscular contraction when walking, dancing, or standing in heels. My calves start to burning around rep 15 when doing bodyweight calf raises. I can’t imagine what an hour or two of heels feels like.
I’ll never quite understand why girls like wearing heel. It doesn’t make any sense from a place of reason or logic. I mean, they’re painful to wear. I get that they’re pretty or other girls may compliment you. Guys for the most part are not going to look at your feet. Why put yourself through that?? I dunno.
Do any of these symptoms or diagnoses apply to you? If so, maybe your doctor or physical therapist can help direct you in the right direction. If you do not have a diagnosis, try one of these remedies to see if your calf tightness diminishes.