Pediatrician Questions Calf muscle pain

Calves ache when daughter runs. Why is this happening?

My daughter runs frequently because it's a part of her cheerleading practice, but lately her calves have been hurting every time she runs. She hasn't injured herself recently, and it really just seems like a sudden achiness. Any idea on why her calves could be hurting?

5 Answers

This could be due to flat feet and poor supportive shoes, tight calves, or a lack of rest between runs.
Usually, tendonitis (shin splints) rehab, stretching, and a medical consult if it doesn't resolve soon.
Calves pain in athletes suggests calves injury, i.e., calf muscles strain. It's time to consult a sport medicine doctor.
Some people heal faster than others. Often times it has to do with footwear, volume of running, technique. You could also have her blood checked for electrolyte levels & ferritin.
Her calves are a muscle in the back of her leg that is stretched when when runs or crouches. This can cause pain and spasm if they are overstretched or inflammed. She needs to do stretches before she runs and can take an anti-inflammatory drug like motrin if pain persists. If pain worsens she needs to be checked in case she has pulled a muscle or stress fracture.