Aches and Pains - Solutions?

[dhd.evans]

Ok, I was off the bike for a few weeks over the Crimbo break. Back in the saddle on Monday 6th Jan and straight back into my pre-Christmas regime of commuting 20miles a day, 5 days a week.

I expected aches and pains, but i have some real localised issues that I wonder might be a product of my bike setup (i.e. if I make adjustments to saddle height, etc. these might disappear).

The list of ailments:

- Sore perineum. Right sided only. The skin is getting rubbed raw and i'm applying Sudocrem to the tender area.
- Sore hamstrings. Left and right leg, inner seam. More of a dull ache.
- Sore quads, especially above the knee joints. Left and right leg.
- Sore ankle (left hand side only). I went over this ankle badly some years ago and it has never healed correctly, but i'm taking to applying 'brufen gel to it most nights.
- Sore thumbs. This is the biggest mystery to me. My thumb joints ache all the damn time now.

So, any advice on solving some/all of these issues?

 

[Rob3rt]

Did you have any of these issues before? Did you change your bike setup?

 

[dhd.evans]

None at all. The bike setup is as was before Christmas.

 

[vickster]

I'd see a doctor, especially given the sore thumbs. How old are you?

Do you stretch the legs after riding, minimise the stiffness?

 

[Rob3rt]

None at all. The bike setup is as was before Christmas.

Then persevere a bit longer, by your own admission you took a fairly long time off, then returned to doing your usual load. Probably a shock to the system and if nothing has changed with the bike then it is probably a case of adjustment again. If it persists, then take steps, but try to live with it for a bit?

 

[cyberknight]

Could be the cold on top of the body getting used to riding again.
My average speed has plummeted the last few weeks what with the weather and having a similar break .As for your thumbs are the joints swollen ?, my right thumb base joint is enlarged and that aches in the cold/damp and the doctor has told me it is the start of arthritis.

 

[dhd.evans]

The joints aren't swollen, per se, but definitely tender. I think it might just be a case of getting back into it but the particularly localised nature of some of the discomfort gave rise to my worry.

 

[vickster]

Doing a lot of cycling after a long lay off gave me de Quervains tendonitis in my right thumb. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, a splint and better gel gloves for cycling helped me

 

[dhd.evans]

Perineuem pain has turned into blisters and absolute agony. No ride today on that basis. Anyone any advice?

 

[Jimmy Doug]

I'd look at your bike set up. Is the saddle the right height? Try adjusting it so that it is very, very slightly pointed upwards (ie, not flat). And do you have padding on the saddle - this can cause more problems than it solves.

 

[amir]

re: Sore thumbs

I used to get these on my MTB due to the rather stiff shifters. Since I changed to a road bike this is no longer an issue. Stiff shifters?

 

[tadpole]

I'm no expert, but in my own experience, the soreness/blistering of your perineum, sound like your saddle is not straight (fore and aft) as for the thumbs being sore, do you ride mainly on the hoods, as it sound as if you are putting too much weight on your hands. Weak stomach muscles can also cause you to lean to heavily on the handle bars.

 

[dhd.evans]

I do ride mainly on the hoods, although i'm continuing a programme of situps and crunchs i was doing pre-Christmas so stomach muscles shouldn't be too weak. Probably right about the weight on the hands though.

Will make a judgement on the seat tonight re: straightness.

Thanks for advice!

 

[VamP]

Perineuem pain has turned into blisters and absolute agony. No ride today on that basis. Anyone any advice?

Blisters or boils? Saddle sores manifest as tender boils, they can force you to take time off, and are often associated with poor hygiene (using same short without washing etc.). Blisters sound like a friction issue? What do you wear?

Do you use any kind of chamois cream?

 

[ayceejay]

It is likely that the muscle aches are due to your lay off but the perineum issue sounds like a separate problem. A good pair of shorts/tights will have a pad that not only offers protection against jarring but also wicks away sweat, the area between your anus and scrotum is a notorious sweat gathering spot and this moisture will magnify the effects of friction. If you have the decent shorts then do as VamP suggests and wash them frequently and also wash yourself after every ride. Also make sure you are sitting on the wide part of your saddle.