Socks!

While my calf heals, I've been knitting socks. I made several so far, just working on perfecting the technique. Trouble spot appears to be the gusset; especially where it meets the leg of the sock. I've read some pointers online, and they say to grab an extra stitch on the previous row before and after the juncture of the two needles. It does close up the hole, but seems to pull the stitches awkwardly as well. Everything I've read says that it just takes time before your results improve. Practice, practice, practice.
My calf finally feels like it's back to normal. I've resumed going back to the gym, doing upper body and just walking on the treadmill. I'm thinking I have to go easy on the calf until I know for sure it can take the abuse. It was very busy at the gym on Wednesday. I went there after my "so you think you can knit" class at Denise's house. I had to jump around on whatever machine was open at the time. I really like to start with the military presses but had to do that toward the end of my workout. Couldn't do all my reps, but I did what I could. I can feel the strength coming back. I took a jacuzzi that night, just to try to prevent the soreness from the workout. My legs were hurting Thursday, primarily around the hip joint. I did walk on the treadmill that night, and I feel fine today.
I finally put my bike together and took it for a couple of quick rides around the neighborhood. Of course, it's supposed to rain this weekend. So I'm not sure if I am going to get a bike ride in. But it's a nice bike, and I feel comfortable riding it.

The Olden Calf

I don't know what's going on. About a month ago, I started having back spasms. Fearing that it was my left kidney, I promptly stopped taking my creatine supplement. I would only take it on days that I lifted weights. Then about two weeks ago, while I was minding my own business, my left calf decided to cramp up. I was walking across the CSA office at work, slowly & without any sudden stops or turns. I figured it was a cramp, and it would ease itself out. I did go to the gym that night, but only for upper body weight training. I cut out all cardio until my leg felt better. That weekend, I rested my leg, but the cramp still remained. I went out on Tuesday, having G & T's at Hunters and then going to Streetbar for karaoke. I had a couple of bud lites while there. When it was my turn to sing, I got up on stage and did my number. While coming down the three steps, something happened to my calf; it felt like it popped or tore or something. Not good. It gave me troubles the rest of the week. My leg got swollen and pink by Thursday. I really should have gone to see a doctor then, but I gave it one more day. When I thought that it could possibly be deep vein thrombosis, I decided it was time to go to urgent care on Friday. The doctor examined me, then sent me to Eisenhower for an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. The test came back normal, no problem with the vein in my leg. I stopped at Walgreens for a supply of Naproxen. I'm thinking all that extra running at the gym was more than my calf could take. The muscle is sprained, and needs to heal itself. Being on my feet for extended times at work is probably not good. But what can I do? I tried to make an appointment with my regular physician, but she has been on vacation and her schedule is really full. I called a sports medicine doctor in Rancho Mirage, but all I got was a recording. I want to know what I should at this point. I still walk like an old man, can't really use the leg fully. I was doing good the other day, but by quitting time, the leg was back to being stiff & swollen. I'm hoping this weekend I can rest it enough to where it starts getting normal again.
Worst part is, I got my new bike and I haven't even put it together yet. Since I can't ride it with my calf the way it is, I don't know what the point would be. It is kind of hot to be riding a bike, anyway.