Calf Injury?

[Thomk]

I have a niggle which seems to be getting a bit worse every time I ride. It is at the top far right side of my right calf. I have had it for about 3 months and although it doesn't stop me riding, I fear it will in time if I don't sort it out. I had 3 weeks off the bike for an unrelated injury at Christmas and I thought it might disappear but it has crept back. I suspect it might be a cleat issue but would welcome some input here.

 

[Dave7]

Sounds like a slight 'tear' and could do with a visit to a good sports physio. IMO doctors are no good for this type of problem as they are too general.
I had a long time muscle problem and eventually invested in a Novasonic (off ebay £40) and after repeated use I am virtually pain free. Google Novasonic and se what you think.

 

[ianrauk]

If it didn't feel better after 3 weeks off the bike then it's probably non bike related. To the Docs with you to have it checked ot.

 

[Thomk]

If it didn't feel better after 3 weeks off the bike then it's probably non bike related. To the Docs with you to have it checked ot.

It only bothers me when I'm on the bike though and somehow feels like a repetitive strain injury. It did feel better after the 3 week rest but came back after a few rides.

 

[ianrauk]

It only bothers me when I'm on the bike though and somehow feels like a repetitive strain injury. It did feel better after the 3 week rest but came back after a few rides.

Fair enough.
Would do as Dave suggest. Go to a Sports Physio to see if they can sort it.

 

[fossyant]

I would see a sports physio - doc's won't help you. They can pin point your pain and advise accordingly. You said top right - anything to do with ligament/tendons ? Could be bike set up being a cause.

 

[jonnysnorocket]

Might be worth finding a good sports massage therapist.......do you suffer from tight hamstrings, calfs......do you stretch ? A good regular sports/deep tissue massage can work wonders for pulls & strains & and done on a maintainance basis can often minimise niggles.

 

[HLaB]

It may not be the same but I had something which sounded similar, wasn't going away and wasn't getting worse, I spent quite a bit of money on a physio but I'm not sure it helped; the I had a eureka moment or whatever they call it (more like doh, why didn't I think of that earlier ) and realised that the cranks on my more regularly used trainer were 175mm where as on my other bikes they were 172.5mm, doesn't sound a lot but I lowered the trainer saddle by 2.5mm and moved it forward by 2.5mm and problem almost disappeared within a week.

 

[Thomk]

It may not be the same but I had something which sounded similar, wasn't going away and wasn't getting worse, I spent quite a bit of money on a physio but I'm not sure it helped; the I had a eureka moment or whatever they call it (more like doh, why didn't I think of that earlier ) and realised that the cranks on my more regularly used trainer were 175mm where as on my other bikes they were 172.5mm, doesn't sound a lot but I lowered the trainer saddle by 2.5mm and moved it forward by 2.5mm and problem almost disappeared within a week.

I have to say I do think it is the cleat position or saddle height. I have adjusted the cleat and will see how it is until the end of next week. Next i'll try the saddle height. Thanks.

 

[Thomk]

I have to say I do think it is the cleat position or saddle height. I have adjusted the cleat and will see how it is until the end of next week. Next i'll try the saddle height. Thanks.

Just thought it was worth reporting back that I solved the problem by rotating my right cleat so that when I clip in my foot points outwards in proper duck fashion. You can tell if you are a duck or a pidgeon by sitting on a high seat, dangling your feet and seeing which way they point. If you are naturally a duck then ride like a duck