GOLD Coast Blaze foundation skipper James Harvey has revealed his desire to play on next season after finally discovering the cause of his chronic calf issues.

The 32-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the NBL season, admits retirement was staring him in the face after yet another devastating calf tear just under a month ago.

But Harvey told the Bulletin he could not be happier after specialists worked out it is related to an ankle injury from three years ago. 

"In my second year (with the Blaze in 2008) when Brendan Joyce was coach, I smashed my ankle badly and tore some ligaments off the bone and there are still some existing fractures," Harvey said.

"Every off-season I have been mainly with the Boomers and never really had an opportunity to get it fixed.

"Because I have played with a dodgy ankle for so long, the full range of motion in my calf is so limited and it puts pressure on it."

The star shooting guard said the revelation has put any retirement plans well and truly on hold.

"I must admit I thought if no one could give me an answer why I was continually tearing this calf, it was going to be tough," Harvey said.

"Three weeks ago I was feeling really down and dejected and unsure about a number of things.

"But now I have had a definitive answer from two different specialists, who have said without doubt I am tearing my left calf because of the restriction in my ankle.

"Now I know I have some time left this season and also in the next couple of years once I get the ankle fixed."

Harvey had the choice to have ankle surgery now but has delayed it until the end of the season in the hope of playing a role in the Blaze's playoff run.

It is no pipedream after his calf was this week pumped with blood injections, which were taken from his own arm.

Blaze strength and conditioning coach Will Markwick said he is confident it would work wonders for Harvey.

"It is a different treatment method that we are trying with Harves to try and get a better result," Markwick said.

"It will speed up the recovery, so we are trying to build a better strength base than what we had previously."

Harvey said he expected to be back training by the end of the month.