What works for my calf pain

Hi everyone.  I've been experience burning pain in both calves and tightness as well.  On a pain scale of 1-10, when it's really bad, I'm at about a 7 or 8.  I'm convinced it's muscular and not related to anything else like joints or nerves.  The reason for the pain:  I think my calves are just over worked.  A little background on me: I'm a male, 39 who's really active and loves tennis.  My calves are really developed, one might say ripped.  Over the years, the larger muscles have worked way too hard as they've been compensating for weak ankles and those little balancing/stabilizer muscles around the ankles.  I've sprained my ankles more times than I care to remember.  I also tend to suponate (walk on the outside part of my foot).  These things have caused my calf muscles to "over react".  Now, they're just used to being in this state, and I'm currently trying to rewire them to relax again.  Here's what's worked for me.

If you don't have a foam roller, you should get one.  I like the black ones as they're the firmest.  I start off sitting with my legs out in front and gently roll my calves one at a time.  If yours are as sensitive as mine, you'll easily find "hot spots."  When you do, rest on them for 15-20 seconds.  Do this for about 5 minutes total.  

Next, do light calf stretches for the upper and lower calves.  Since your muscles are already hyper sensitive, I mean LIGHT stretching, going only until you start feeling the stretch and then maybe a little beyond that.  Do this for 20-30 seconds.

Next, I really suggest you get a TENS unit.  They're great!   You can get them on Amazon for $50-$100.  TENS your calf muscles while you ice them for 20 minutes.  The entire session takes about 30 minutes, and I like to do it in front of the TV at night.  Be warned, you may be sore afterwords.  

This is to help you with flare ups and well as maintenance.  To tackle the root of the problem, you'll really need to get in touch with your body and see which muscles are actually causing the pain.  Pain radiates and it may just be one or two muscles that are really in distress.  For me, I think it's the perineals and some smaller something or other around my achilles tendon.  I put the TENS pads directly over those areas and it rrrreally feels good!  Also, when I walk nowadays, I really focus on using my entire foot, letting it stretch and meld with the ground instead of hitting the ground like a stiff board.  That helps as it stretches the foot as I walk.  

I've improved about 60-70% over 2 days of doing this.  If it doesn't seem to progress more, I'm going to go to acupuncture.  If you find the right guy (for me this means someone who approaches it from a Western point of view, i.e., looking at the anatomy as a physical thing, not some energy field), he can do wonders.  I find acupuncture one of the most effective things against muscular ailments.  Good luck everyone!

[gymdandee]

Have you tried a pair of Orthotics? you said you Supination with all your ankle sprains have your ligaments ruptured? you should also do some ankle exercise. I have Orthotics and they work!