[theama]

I decided to exercise (stupid me) two days ago, and my hamstrings got a bit sore but not so much that I couldn't exercise again yesterday... and now I can't walk. If I walk and stand on my tippy-toes it doesn't hurt THAT much, but if I place my heel on the floor it feels like I've sprained my foot. If any of you've ever sprained a foot and stood on it, you know what I'm talking about.

My hamstrings (and the upper part of my calf muscles) get all stiff if I'm in one position for more than 1 minute - so at the moment I have to stay seated cos I can't even stand up. And when I DO stand up it hurts more than it did before I sat down.
The only way I can tolerate standing up is by walking around for 5 minutes, and very carefully going from walking on my toes to walking on my heels as well - but if I do it immediately it feels like the worst cramp you've ever had.

Please help. It's SO painful. I've massaged my legs, and I've soaked them in warm water, and now I have to take painkillers - which I usually avoid. Anyone got any advice on how to make them get better faster? =/

[wanttoheal]

((((((((((Theama))))))))))) Sorry you are in such pain. The only thing I know that helps is epsom salt baths and stretching. Hope you feel better soon.

[Perzephone]

Elevation, massage, gentle stretching & alternating heat/cold is really all you can do for strains & sprains.

Take it easy on yourself - you've got to get into exercise slowly & always do a thorough warm-up & stretch routine before & after working out.