juan cagampang

sounds like you just have inflamed calves and tendons-
Have you tried ibuprofen? Betcha a couple of days of higher than prescribed
dosage ( 4@200mg at a time instead of 2) and REST would do wonders for you.
the ibu will decrease the inflammation, and the rest will allow your calves
and tendons to repair/relax.
I'm not a Physical Therapist, but my wife is- so that makes me an expert.
If you stood for a long time on your toes your muscles are probably in spasm
(causing soreness in the tendons). Spasm often causes some traumatic micro
tearing (why cramping is bad, not just because of the pain), this would
explain why balm and exercise didn't hurt terribly (you warmed up the
traumatized parts), but you are now sore again.

the treatment is 'easy' as out lined above...the hardest part is the not
taxing them for just a couple of days...and being religious about the
anti-inflammatories. I doubt you are screwed, but this shouldn't stop you
from sandbagging the kiddie race...why not..take em to school!

--
Juan Cagampang
(pronounced: "Kah-GAHM-pahng")
4806 NE 22nd Portland OR 97211
(P)503.234.2737 (C)503.412.8968