How Do You Stop Your Calves from Hurting After Exercise?

Remedies for calf pain can include the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation), foam rolling, over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical analgesics (pain relievers) such as Icy Hot, massage, stopping or limiting the activity, and losing weight if overweight. 

Calves commonly hurt after a workout due to a condition called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Anyone can develop DOMS, even athletes and people who exercise regularly, but the severity of the muscle soreness tends to lessen as the body adapts to exercises. 

Another reason calves may hurt after a workout is a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (“rhabdo”), which happens when muscle tissue is severely damaged and proteins and electrolytes from inside the muscle cells leak out into the blood. 

Treatments can be used to stop your calves from hurting after exercise, but if there is any underlying muscle damage and reduced function, it may persist for up to three to five days. Reducing pain is not the same thing as recovery. 

To stop your calves from hurting after exercise, when the pain first occurs, use the RICE method: 

• Rest: keep weight off the legs
• Ice: to decrease pain, swelling, and redness
• Compression: to prevent inflammation
  • Use elastic wraps such as Ace bandages and do not wrap too tightly
• Elevation: prop up the legs to help reduce fluid buildup in the injured tissue
  • Try to raise the calves above the level of the heart

Other home remedies to help stop your calves from hurting after exercise may include: 

• Foam rolling
• Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
• Topical analgesics (pain relievers) such as Icy Hot
• Massage
• Activity changes
  • Stop activities or sports that cause calf pain 
  • Reduce intensity and duration of exercise for one to two days following intense DOMS-inducing exercise
  • Exercises targeting less affected body parts may be performed to allow the calf muscles to recover
  • Reintroduce eccentric exercises or new activities progressively over a period of one or two weeks 
• Lose weight if overweight for the long term

Treatment for rhabdomyolysis depends on the cause and severity. The underlying cause of rhabdomyolysis needs to be treated when possible. Hospitalization is frequently needed. 

Treatment for mild cases of rhabdomyolysis may include: 

• Rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Getting out of the heat

Treatment for moderate to severe cases of rhabdomyolysis includes:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to help the body flush out the substances from muscle cells
• Medicines to correct salt levels 
• Treatment to support the kidneys until they can function normally again
  • Diet changes
  • Medications 
  • Renal replacement therapy (dialysis)
• Kidney transplant, if kidney function does not recover
• Emergency surgery to cut open muscles and relieve the abnormal build-up of pressure