Don’t let calf pain ruin your walk or hike—do these four exercises to improve mobility in your tight calves

Woman rolling her calf on a foam roller.

Calf pain is one of the worst parts of stopping during a hike. Or worse still, once you’ve returned home and relaxed, only to get up and feel the intense tightness in your lower legs.

I find it particularly bothersome when I try to start walking again after stopping for lunch. I stand up and discover my calves feel tight, and then it takes at least a mile to shake off the feeling.