High heels ruining my calves?

For almost a year now, I've worked in an office that requires a corporate casual wardrobe and for about 40 hours a week, I'm in heels. They are not that high (3 in max), but I've been noticing how quickly my calves cramp up when I run, which is something that never happened before I started working. I've about killed myself a couple times now on the treadmill because a few minutes into my run, I can feel a charlie horse coming on and I jump off that machine so fast to work it out.

I drink plenty of water, eat potassium and take in enough sodium. Stretching doesn't seem to help much either. Any advice? I wear flats on occasion, but I'm not ready to turn in my heels!

It's possible. Heck, it's highly probable. Some interesting online articles I found on the subject....

"...calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) are usually tight in most people especially in women wearing shoes with high heels."

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Pain-The -Role-Of-Calf-Muscles&id=507983

Could high Heels Affect Your Health?

http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Could_hi gh_heels_affect_your_health__a488_f163.html

Could be the high heels, I guess.

Check out the atricles and see for yourself.

I'm not much of a heels person. I wear hiking boots all day (except in the gym of course). I'm a bit of a odd one like that I guess lol.

Hope those links help.

I wear high heels at work everyday too and my heels are all 3 inches high...and I've been getting cramps on my calves even before I started running.  In fact, my cramps seem to become less since I started running as long as I stretch my legs, calves, and shin really good before I run.  I don't know how far you run every time but I do about 3 miles twice on weekdays and a 6-7 miles on saturdays...

Try to elevate your legs at night, put it on some pillows while your sitting or lying down, making it higher than your heart.  This helps relieve my cramps all the time, also get a massage - there is nothing better than getting a massage on your tired legs and feet   Hope this helps.

Dorothy

I have the exact same problem. I wish I had an answer for you!