I was recently having a discussion with a few friends and they both mentioned the idea that big, ‘overdeveloped’ calves can cause strain on the knees and give rise to knee pain, weakness, etc. over time.
I had heard a triathlete mention this before as well.
Anyone know much about this? Any information or thoughts one way or the other?
i know part of the calve is connected to the knee but i find it odd that it would be able to over power upper leg muscles. Most likely stong or tight calves would cause shin splints. I’d like to read what an expert on physiology has to say. laters pk
[quote]thunderbolt23 wrote:
I was recently having a discussion with a few friends and they both mentioned the idea that big, ‘overdeveloped’ calves can cause strain on the knees and give rise to knee pain, weakness, etc. over time.
I had heard a triathlete mention this before as well.
Anyone know much about this? Any information or thoughts one way or the other?[/quote]
My thoughts are that the imbalance would be a weaker tibialis muscle and not the just the existance of a stronger calf muscle. Body weight and the force generated are also factors.
[quote]Professor X wrote:
My thoughts are that the imbalance would be a weaker tibialis muscle and not the just the existance of a stronger calf muscle. Body weight and the force generated are also factors.[/quote]
Interesting - and makes sense.
One concern that these folks mentioned was the extra weight of an overdeveloped calf muscle dragging on the knee joint when lifting the leg (while running, etc.).
But presumably that could be overcome by ensuring the knee joint and the upper leg muscles were strong enough to give the knee joint enough support to contrast the weight (if this was even right).
[quote]thunderbolt23 wrote:
Professor X wrote:
My thoughts are that the imbalance would be a weaker tibialis muscle and not the just the existance of a stronger calf muscle. Body weight and the force generated are also factors.
Interesting - and makes sense.
One concern that these folks mentioned was the extra weight of an overdeveloped calf muscle dragging on the knee joint when lifting the leg (while running, etc.).
But presumably that could be overcome by ensuring the knee joint and the upper leg muscles were strong enough to give the knee joint enough support to contrast the weight (if this was even right).[/quote]
I’m actually pretty good friends with the orthopedic surgeon here and we discuss this alot due my own knee problems. The majority of cases are mostly body weight related or aggravated by running (at least in the military). You get some 220-230+lbs guy running 3 miles, especially one who also lifts weights, and chances are, eventually you will end up with knee problems. I personally think running is the worst activity for a heavier person outside of sprints (which I do believe are beneficial).