Extreme burning in calves while jogging-URGENT

Question
Hi John,

I am a 36 YO Male 5'8" 225lbs and very solid. I have extremely large leg muscles, especially my calves. After 12 months of testing, I was finally hired to attend the Sheriff Academy in April 06 and had to be rephased to the next Academy for shin splints.

I have been training now for several months by slowly working up on my running. for the past month, I have worked up to 2-3 miles at a pace of 10 minute miles.  Over the last 2 weeks, I have been experiencing calf burning. (like when you do 150 calf raises)  every step becomes unbearable. I rested for a few days, Ice, Elevation and Anti-Inlamatory medication, wraps and Icy Hot. I have been stretching alot before and after every run..Especially the shin splint stretches I was taught to help avoid any injuries.

My calves are getting worse! Last night, I couldn't even make it 1/4 mile. My calves burned so bad that I dropped to the ground in pain. They felt like they were being pumped up like a burning balloon. I could barely walk home after that because it burned so bad.

I am very frustrated because the Sheriff Academy starts on Monday Aug. 14th. and they are VERY DEMANDING on running. Starting out doing 2 mile runs up to 6 miles which 40% are hills. My shins are hurting now too but not near as bad as my calves. I have an extremely high tolerance for pain and it is simply unbearable.

I saw my Doctor today and he was really a jerk about it. He said he can't see any injury and therefor it is just tough luck and bad timing for me. He told me to just continue all of the treatments that I have been doing already and cross training.

I am stuck between a rock and a hard place here. If I can't run I will get dismissed from the Academy. I can suck up the pain alot to a point but not lately. I asked my doctor if Claudication was a possibility because of High Cholesterol and Hypertension and he said that it very well could be and that there is nothing he can do about it.

Please, your advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Is there anything I can do?

Answer
Hi Damon
At this point,if you stand any chance to recover in time for the 14th would be to completely stop training and spend as much time iceing,no heat.No streching,it has been streched enough.Get some epson salts from your pharmacy and start some baths.Just add 3 cups to your bath water and soak in there for 20 to 30 min.These are fantastic for recovery.You have done a fair amount of damage.You just need to rest them and let them heal.This i asure you.I wish i had better news for you Damon.I get this request all the time.You just over did it a little.Also take 500mg of vitimin c with your 3 meals a day.This is like gold for tissue,tendons,connective tissue.Training is all about preventive measures to stay ahead of disasters like yours.I have a world class marathoner who is just now is running his first marathon race back in the european championships sunday morning the 13th in gotenborg sweden from a torn calf muscle 2 years ago.This should of not happened.You are not alone Damon.I hope this has helped in some way.

The very best to you

John