Question: How to address tender peroneous (outside of calf)?

[bounceswoosh]

Every winter, the outside of my calves get super tender. I thought it had to do with falling in particularly awkward ways that bang my boots against my legs, but my massage therapist told me that skiers very commonly have a very tight peroneous, and that it can't be stretched and that it really needs cross-fiber friction, which is hard to do yourself because of the angles involved.

So - throwing this out there - do you have a tight / tender peroneous, and if so, is there anything that's particularly effective in soothing it?

My first thought is ice massage ...

 

[Downunder Diva]

Bounceswoosh have you tried using a foam roller on your peroneal muscle? They're great for stretching out muscles that are difficult to stretch. I roller my ITB daily using a ribbed purple Thera-Roll and it has made an enormous difference. This link demonstrates how to stretch muscles including your peroneal using a roller https://smallstepstohealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/SMI-roller-guide.pdf. It hurt like hell when I first start rolling and I really questionned the masochism but after a few weeks the difference was amazing, so perseverance is the key - good luck!

 

[Chatagirl]

The guide above is a good one. The SMI massage therapists ('therapy' is the key word, not fluffy white robe and candles) have worked wonders on my hamstring and psoas. They know their stuff there.

It's really a matter of preference but I find the stick works better for me for tight lower legs. Also easier to use and you can carry it with you on a trip https://www.thestick.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=SG-1900

 

[Downunder Diva]

It's really a matter of preference but I find the stick works better for me for tight lower legs. Also easier to use and you can carry it with you on a trip https://www.thestick.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=SG-1900

Ooh Chatagirl the stick looks good! I may be making a purchase me thinks thanks for the recommendation...

 

[bounceswoosh]

That's a lot of money for a stick!!

 

[Chatagirl]

That's a lot of money for a stick!!

Yep, but I mine. Well worth the $30 I spent. And A LOT cheaper than a massage. You can find them at most running stores for less than on-line and no shipping.

A rolling pin would probably work just as well and you can roll out some pie crusts when you're finished

 

[Downunder Diva]

That's a lot of money for a stick!!

If you think that's steep check out the Thera-Roll prices I paid $100+ for mine. On the plus side is that they last seemingly for ever without losing their foam firmness or shape, and for novices or users with really tight muscle issues they are far easier/kinder - pain wise to use than the excellent suggestion made above of using a rolling pin. My suggestion would be to try the rolling pin first. You may find that these therapeutic aids don't seem so expensive after this.