Burning calves while running?

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Positively Negative

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Hi guys,
with holiday season so close, I want to stay in shape and all. So I have been jogging for the last 2 weeks but I just can't seem to get away from burning calves. I can stretch for 15-20 minute and also focus more stretches on the calves directly. Still I will get into a decent stride and before I know it, the burning comes back.

It's not cramping of any sorts but more of a burning sensation that makes it difficult to walk even :cry: I would just like to know if anyone has experienced this or knows of any vitamins or creams I could try. It's frustrating aswell because often I play football with mates down the road and they just rock up and play. No stretching and they can run for hours on end. If I dare not stretch... I am fooked :wtf:

Any advice guys. thanks
 
It's just a lack of conditioning, will go away with time. Just make sure you stretch them after the run (30 seconds stretches at least 5 repeats) so that you don't tear the muscle. Conditioning for running takes a long time.
 
Build up of lactic acid. Be well hydrated.


/ Remember to warm up and warm down before and after any strenuous work outs .
 
As an avid runner myself (currently training for Ironman).

Good to read you stretching.
What condition are your running shows in? And then, are you sure you have the right type of running shoe?

I have to replace my shoes every three to four months.

HTH
 
Cytomax is a great supplement for runners and riders which effectively reduces lactic acid build up.
 
Does sound like you just need more conditioning. Be careful not to overtrain.

Positively Negative said:
I can stretch for 15-20 minute and also focus more stretches on the calves directly. Still I will get into a decent stride and before I know it, the burning comes back.
Click to expand...
Stretch before or after running?
 
noxibox said:
Does sound like you just need more conditioning. Be careful not to overtrain.


Stretch before or after running?
Click to expand...

Stretching cold muscles is a recipe for disaster and should never be done beforehand.

Only once muscles have warmed up ie after a run, should stretching be done.
 
Sounds like conditioning to me. Just take it easy in the beginning, the fitness will come.

I had a similar burning sensation when conditioning myself for minimalist running. The new style of running was stretching my calves and achilles after years of shod running in padded shoes. To get used to it, I started out running a quarter of my usual distance.
 
Last edited:
Do the calves become stiff, and does is clear up after a few minutes?

One possibility is a lack of blood flow.

Next question, do you smoke? Loss of (leg) hair, and also nails not growing as fast as they used to?
 
The Thug said:
Stretching cold muscles is a recipe for disaster and should never be done beforehand.

Only once muscles have warmed up ie after a run, should stretching be done.
Click to expand...
It's completely false that you cannot stretch cold muscles, but it does have to be done right. However that was not my question. I was not referring to starting stretching with cold muscles, I asked whether it was done before or after running. Even once warmed up stretching should not be done excessively if you want peak performance from your muscles.
 
Sounds like a buildup of lactic acid to me, keep well hydrated and eat a banana before and/or after the run to increase your potassium.
 
thanks for all the replies guys.

My mom also suggested it could be a build of lactic acid! I keep hydrated but I don't understand what proper hydration is I guess.
Another thing is I am using cheapy shoes at the moment but I never had this issue when I used to run with cheapies.

I honestly can't afford R500+ shoes right now.

Thanks for all the tips though. I will just stick to cycling for now to get my cardio fix :(
 
Positively Negative said:
thanks for all the replies guys.

My mom also suggested it could be a build of lactic acid! I keep hydrated but I don't understand what proper hydration is I guess.
Another thing is I am using cheapy shoes at the moment but I never had this issue when I used to run with cheapies.

I honestly can't afford R500+ shoes right now.

Thanks for all the tips though. I will just stick to cycling for now to get my cardio fix :(
Click to expand...

Your shoes are very important when it comes to running. If you run with cheap shoes you will only hurt yourself.

Why not read up on feet pronation and burning calves ?

Over pronation basically means that your feet are rolling over too much as you run which causes excessive pressure on the calf muscle
Click to expand...

http://www.runnersrescue.com/Running_Calf_Pain_Strain_Injury.htm
 
You can ruin your ankles if you run without the proper shoes. 90% chance that your shoes are causing your burning calves. Street running is very abrasive to the delicate foot/ankle joints.
 
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