Tight Calf Muscles

Calf muscles are mostly neglected though they are often worked very hard.

Tight calf muscles aren't just uncomfortable in and of themselves; having tight calves can affect the health of your feet, knees, hips, lower back and even your shoulders. This is because tightness in the calves often exacerbates tightness in the hamstrings, which in turn can throw your whole pelvis and back out of alignment! Lower leg stretches are best used to prevent muscle imbalances and their associated problems.

Tight calves can be a danger for athletes, negatively affecting their stride and contributing to potentially devastating ruptures of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Tight calves can also be a leading cause in plantar fasciitis.

Because the calf muscles are so potentially powerful, it takes a frequent, persistent stretching program to improve overall calf flexibility. Since the calf is getting worked every day as you walk, jump, run, and climb stairs, stretching it briefly once or twice a week is not enough to make a significant change.

Soft tissue work (with a lacrosse ball or massage) and stretching daily can greatly reduce any unnecessary tightness in the calves, lengthening the Achilles tendon, and stretching the plantar fascia.

It is especially helpful to do mobility work prior to training and give the muscles a good long stretch afterwards.