Runners - have you ever pulled a muscle?

I had a crappy day at work yesterday and was ready to run out all my frustrations at the gym. I think I may have started too hard, too fast, because midway through my run I got the WORST pain in my calf and had to stop running immediately. It almost felt like a really bad cramp, but I'm finding it impossible to walk up and down stairs today and my calf is generally sensitive.

Do you think I pulled something? What should I do, other than just rest? How long do I have to stay off the treadmill? Booooooooo....

Re: Runners - have you ever pulled a muscle?

I've definitely had this happen and it stinks! I really thought mine was a charlie horse... Beef up the potasium and see if it goes away...

Re: Runners - have you ever pulled a muscle?

yes and very often in my calves too. it was usually just an overuse problem. RICE it-Rest,Ice,Compression, and Elevation. i used to keep a bag of frozen veggies on an minor injury and keep off it and elevate my leg while icing. for minor stuff i would stay off it for a week and do the elliptical/walk/or bike. don't worry, i'm sure it will be fine but definitely don't push it!

Re: Runners - have you ever pulled a muscle?

That happened to my calf too. It took almost two weeks to heal.