Calf strain or out of shape?

[Pacific lefty]

I started a new tennis workout routine in the gym last Wednesday. The instructor showed me the various lunges, squats, etc and some cardio to do as I hope to start hitting at the end of next week. I did everything quickly without much stretching and yesterday and today have noticed a really sore left calf muscle. It hurts when I try to massage it and when I bend my foot with a straight leg. Could this be a calf strain or is it just soreness from starting a new workout? Believe me, my abs are killing me after all the crunches so maybe it is just because I changed my workout...not sure if this is worth checking out with my physio...

 

[ollinger]

"muscle strain" and "soreness from starting a new workout" are essentially the same thing. and rest is the treatment.

 

[r2473]

Sounds like leprosy to me.

Luckily that can be cured nowadays with the right supplements.

 

[charliefedererer]

I started a new tennis workout routine in the gym last Wednesday. The instructor showed me the various lunges, squats, etc and some cardio to do as I hope to start hitting at the end of next week. I did everything quickly without much stretching and yesterday and today have noticed a really sore left calf muscle. It hurts when I try to massage it and when I bend my foot with a straight leg. Could this be a calf strain or is it just soreness from starting a new workout? Believe me, my abs are killing me after all the crunches so maybe it is just because I changed my workout...not sure if this is worth checking out with my physio...

Anytime you can check it out with someone you trust it is far better than all our posts put together. Your physio sounds like the best bet, but even your instructor may be of guidance.


There is a continuum between the microscopic tears from conditioning/play that results in "delayed onset muscle muscle soreness", and longer or coalescence of smaller tears that would qualify as a muscle strain. In general the pain and localized tenderness from the strain will be greater and more localized.
USTA Recovery in Tennis: http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/dps...ence/RECOVERY PROJECT 22410 EMAIL VERSION.pdf

From the other thread, I don't know if you have downloaded the kindle version of Suzanna McGee's Tennis Fitness. If so, check out Chapter 13, Calf Myofascial Release.

 

[Pacific lefty]

I downloaded the book on kindle and will check out the calf section. Thanks charliefedererer! You're a star...