Calf Injuries for Masters Level Explosive Movements ...

[chijoe]

Dear Members,

I could use some help ....

I am investigating the value of 'mild' steriods in treating a chronic condition that is fairly common (but not well talked about) in older athletes who want to continue doing explosive sports (in track and Field), particularly the sprints, hurdles, jumps, polymetrics and even stadium stair runs ... that is been referred to as the "Calf Heart Attack";

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6071.

The bottom line is ... Can Steroids help? If so, which and why? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't mind discussing things offline either.


I personally suffer from this, my case history is below:

My Background:
*******************
* 45 hear old male in excellent health still competing in amature sports at the masters level (Jumps, weights, sprints)
* 6 feet, 4 inches tall, 190lbs, nonsmoker, very healthy eating habbits, (I own a Vita-Mix: www.vita-mix.com/ )
* Blood pressure, and specific blood markers are all w/in normal limits.
* Former College Decathlete, Basketball player, competed at 185lbs.
* 2 undergraduate degrees (BA/BS), 2 graduate degrees (MS/MBA)

My Problem:
***************
* I get frequent of Grade 1 and Grade 2 strains of my calf musches in either calf when engaging in explosive exercises like polymetrics, sprinting, jumping or stadium runs as defined here:

http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/your...ate=11984.html

* It's been frequently been called a "Calf Heart Attack".
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6071

* No problems with ordinary everyday usage, easy jogging, etc.

* More specifically, the strains (or Micro Tears) occure close where the Soleus and the Gastrocnemius meet the TOP of the Achilles Tendon.
http://www.health.com/health/static/...nr55552004.jpg

* I've had this condition for 10 years running with 'only' mild success gained from the typical RICE regiment combined with deep tissue massage and medical laser therapy from a sports therapist.

* I've also 'only' had mild success with natural supplements therapy: a regiment of hyaluronic acid, bromelain, broad spectrum systemic enzymes, boswellia powder, zyflamend, tumeric (in fatty acid), glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSN.

* I have had NO success in getting to the point where I can train at 100% confidence that sometime the Grade 1 or 2 calf strain won't re-occure when I do any significant sessions type of explosive movement.

[Godson]

i have very weak calfs too, im intersted in any answers somebody can give on this

[J431S]

I don't think steroids are used for a purpose of relief-ing pain. It is mainly used to gain muscles and increase strength. But hey I'm not a medical expert and I will be most interested to know the answers to your questions too.