Why Do My Calves Hurt When I Run?

Want to kick off summer on the right foot? It all starts with the legs…

Leg pain – whether it be tight hips, sore knees or throbbing calves – can really stop you in your tracks. With lots of summer fun ahead, now is the time to conquer leg pain once and for all.

Get ready to learn our best tips for beating leg pain while running, acupressure tips to move better, herbal remedies to soothe aching legs and even a delicious iced tea recipe that maintains your mobility while you work on your tan.

Remedies for Leg Pain: Acupressure Points

While it’s always a good idea to get regular acupuncture visits, acupressure is an easy way to promote healthy qi and blood flow right from home. For those with leg pain, acupressure can offer immediate relief and preventative self-care to quiet aching legs and stand stronger.

Apply gentle pressure to these points to reduce leg tension and tightness, enhance muscle function and reduce muscle fatigue:

Spleen (SP) 6

Spleen 6 is located on the inner lower leg and is a powerful point for moving blood throughout the body. It is particularly helpful for those with sore legs, tired ankles or painful varicose veins.

Gallbladder (GB) 34

Gallbladder 34 is one of the best acupressure points to relieve pain related to the tendons and ligaments of the leg. Press this point to relax and improve the flexibility of your tendons and alleviate joint pain, especially around the knee.

Stomach (ST) 36

Stomach 36, known as “Leg Three Mile,” is anecdotally named due to its ability to help you walk (or run) “three more miles” after stimulating. This point helps to enhance blood and qi circulation throughout the body, but especially through the legs.

Urinary Bladder (UB) 57

Got calf pain? UB 57 is a powerhouse point located right in the middle of the gastrocnemius muscle. Press deeply until you feel a tenderness to relieve calf muscle tightness. This point can also be used for issues like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, which tend to be worsened by tight calf muscles.

Pinch between Kidney (KD) 3 and Urinary Bladder (UB) 60

Kidney 3 is located on the inner ankle, in the webbing between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. You’ll find UB 60 in the same place on the outer ankle. Pinch around the Achilles to activate these two points at the same time and open up circulation through the entire leg.

Iced Summer Peach Flexibili-Tea

If you want to live a long and active life, maintaining good flexibility (especially in the hips and knees) is key. With this refreshing recipe, you can help improve the flexibility and mobility of your lower limbs while enjoying a relaxing summer’s day.

This summer peach iced tea contains herbal remedies for leg pain that soothe muscle tension and ease stiffness. The addition of honey and peach work to further relax the body and nourish sore, tired muscles.

Ingredients

For the tea

• 1 pack Plum Dragon Flexibili-Tea
• 1-gallon water

To serve

• 1 cup brewed tea
• 1-2 tbsp peach honey simple syrup, or plain honey
• 2-3 slices fresh peach
• Ice
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Add one pack of Flexibili-Tea to a large pot with 1 gallon of water.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 40 minutes.
3. Strain the herbs out and cool the tea.
4. In a glass, add 1 cup of brewed tea and peach honey simple syrup to taste.
5. Add ice and garnish with mint leaves if using.

Find more herbal recipes