pavedwave longboarding

crote123 · Joined: 31 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Ouch!!! you can say that again...

I went out for a "joyride" today, or that was the plan (some short session just to change my mind from work). I set up the Garmin, started pumping for a few minutes, then I grabbed my board to go over a curb, dropped it down on the path, put one foot on it and pushed once and then WHAM... I felt a snap in my right calf and then pain, major pain.

Verdict: pulled muscle. Luckily, it wasn't a complete tear but it ain't minor. I can't walk flat footed, I must walk on my toes otherwise it hurts too much. I can't extend my leg straight and put weight on it. I can feel the pain running the whole length of the calf.

I'll be getting some tests (Doppler Ultrasound) and some physiotherapy.
The season is most probably over as winter is about to set in and I don't think I'll be well enough to enjoy a few more session before we get hit with snow.

So for those who enjoy better weather (at least for pumping), have fun. I'll be around next spring for sure.

cheers!

G- Dub · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:19 am Post subject:

Oh man, bummer. Good luck with everything. You may have been doing this already, but make sure you thoroughly stretch next season! You are a lot less prone to injury if you stretch!

crote123 · Joined: 31 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Usually, I do stretch at bit, but this time as it was for a "joyride", no intense pumping (not even close), so I didn't stretch. I actually hurt myself while I pushed after pumping for a few minutes, by that time, my calf should have warmed up.

but, lesson learned, better be safe than sorry. I'll make sure to stretch for any exercise, be it for enjoyment or fitness.

JeffVyain · Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 59 Location: Indianapolis, IN

The verdict is out on stretching as far as I'm concerned. Stretching AFTER a workout is necessary for most people...or helpful at least. If you feel like you need to stretch before, do so...it won't hurt. But you'll get the most benefit if you do it after you've warmed up your muscles a bit. In fact, you could even hurt yourself if you stretch cold muscles.

Sorry to hear about your accident. I am right there with you buddy. I just bent my knee too far over the weekend from a simple fall and my ACL is right back to sharp-pains-whenever-I-use-my-hamstring mode. Sucks something fierce. I can actually skate quite comfortably, considering its my balance leg, but I'm beginning to realize that I can't just count on not falling.

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1120 Location: seattle wa usa

This is definitely one of those 'Do as I say not as I actually do' areas. I've also found that the 5-minute warm-up, and then stretch, is the best way to avoid the oddball muscle/tendon issues.

Now this freak muscle tweak and Subsonic Scott's ACL-blow are making me re-think skipping the little stretch sessions. Scott blew his knee simply pushing a board!

Hope you heal up fast!!