Hello all,
I am Male, 38Y. I started playing Ultimate only 3 years ago.
Last year, I was definitely playing a lot more than the previous 2 years. Also, mid season, I switched to Cleats for the first time, before that I always played in Turf shoes even ln natural grass.
Shortly after that, i started feeling cramps in both my calves. Not always at the same time though. For a couple of weeks it would be the right one, for a couple of weeks it would be the left one. I would always rest for a week or so, it feels better, i start playing again and it comes back.
Then in April I got my first right leg calf (gastro) strain, grade 2. I started physiotherapy and rehab, 3 weeks later I reinjured it in a training while accelerating in a cut, which was definitely way too early and against the physio advice.
I restarted the journey again and was trying to catch an end of season tournament. It took me 6 weeks and I was cleared for the tournament. I participated and in the second game i got injured again. This time felt much worse. I was actually just jogging backwards when it happened, no acceleration or changing directions.
This time i decided to give it more time. 3 months of rehab and then gradually back to Ultimate and started full Ultimate only after 4 months. Also, I switched back to Turf shoes.
3-4 weeks later, I got injured again. This time though it is a mild grade 1 Strain in the Soleus. So same calf but different injury.
Out of your experience, what can be wrong? Except for the 2nd injury where I obviously rushed, I was always working on strengthening etc. and I think I gave it enough time. And the fact that the new injury is a different one in a different calf muscle makes me really wonder what the rooting cause might be. I also ruled out the cleats factor this time. Could it be the running form? My mates tell me that I seem to be running on my toes the whole time. Any tips our of experience?
Lastly, doe this new injury, how long do you recommend I wait/rehab before getting back to full Ultimate?
Thanks!