Knots in calves

So I went to see a physio recently about an ankle injury and as part of the treatment he gave me a quick calf massage. Apparently they have more knots in them than a Stretch Armstrong that has been set upon by a boy scout group.

What's the best way to relieve them? At the moment I've taken to rolling a tennis ball over my calf while at work for 10 minutes or so, which bloody hurts but then it is supposed to, isn't it? Is it just a case of press as hard as you can or could I actually end up making things worse? 

Can you get hold of a foam roller (around £10). same effect as a tennis ball- but easier to use for larger areas. When rolling your calf over it  very slowly- rest the other leg on top of the lower one to provide more pressure. When you come across an extra sore bit- stay in that position for 10 secs or so (if you can bear it).

Do this daily and pretty soon you will get rid of the knots - you will know because suddenly using the roller wont be painful anymore. 

I use the roller everywhere at the first sign of a pain- and also weekly just to check all is ok (kind of preventative medicine). I find the tennis ball good for more specific areas - just above the knee/ hips etc.

Yes it hurts when there are knots but it is the way to solve it.

I see a running coach for weekly strenghtening exercises (after suffering many injuries!) - if sh finds a knot in my legs somewhere - she basically pushes down with her thumb really hard into my leg at the sore point to relieve the muscle!

Enjoy

yeah I did that to myself  a few times and it felt better for a short period before feeling tight and knotty again. I too have had many injuries and know the pros stick their thumbs in for a while.

I'm just not sure if it's a knot or a pulled/torn muscle....the former will allow me back runnning sooner.

Thanks for the advice guys!

I'll look into getting a foam roller that I can use at home (any reccomendations of where to buy one?) and keep at it with the tennis ball at work. I don't think these knots are the cause of my injury but they certainly can't be helping.

Good luck with your injury too dibbers, hopefully it will only be a knot.  

Hi Sheddy

 I have read your forum question, and I use a roller after each run to disperse the lactic acid from my calf , and to give them a quick massage. The intesity I apply depends how hard i press my leg down on the roller.

 I purchase a foam paint roller from a DIY store for a couple quid, which does the job.

Hope this helps you with your knots. 

Also - I use this method:-

 Run your knotted up calf over your opposite knee - and when you get to sore bit just press over firmly and repeat a few times!!! 

Thanks john, getting a DIY roller is a genius suggestion!

I had found some "proper" ones on Amazon but they seem somewhat pricey for a coloured cylinder of foam. 

@samsunguser. Cheers, I assume this is done while seated on the floor, legs straight, one on top of the other?

Ah right, thanks muchly!

My calves are in for a hell of an evening, I can tell you.