calf pain.

glaswegian

hi,i have recently (9days)started walking to try and get a bit healthier and lose a bit of weight,i don't know how long in km the walk is but it takes aproximately 50 minutes. i have to stop about three quarters of the way round with very sore calfs, it usually takes around three or four minutes of rest before i can continue.is this normal for a novice and will it get better as the weeks go on?

dublinlush

This is a late reply as I haven't been round this forum since last year. It's totally normal for calves to seize up and you may even get some shin pain (splints). Warm up a bit before your walk by very gently stretching your calves on the pavement step before you head off. Don't go mad or you'll pull a muscle. If you have problems with calf spasms in bed afterwards then try this trick: put a bar of soap in the bed near your feet/calves. It can be any soap at all as long as it the wrapping is taken off it. Your muscle cramps should ease up within a couple of nights. I have no idea how or why this works but my dear old Ma used it and it works a trick. It might be because of the potassium in the soap who knows. It won't do you any harm anyway and will make your bed smell nice. Hah! Drinking tonic water is also good for cramps but I wouldn't recommend doing this regularly!!

glaswegian

hi,thanks for your reply. calf pain seems to be easing a wee bit now and i don't have to stop for a rest as often. also as you mention i do get sore shins along with the calf pain. i tried walking at just a normal speed and had no pain at all,so i'm trying to walk just a wee bit faster each night.