Help - what leg muscle have I done in?

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Silly, silly, silly

After not doing anything more than short commuting riding since Xmas day, I started with the extended rides home this week.

Felt a twinge of cramp in the calves last night but that soon went, didn't think too much of it.

Woke up this morning with a sharp pain at the very top of my thigh - on the outside, can't quite pinpoint it but it kind of feels in the same region as my trouser pocket.

Of course, this morning it was only a sharp pain when I moved my leg a certain way so ignoring all common sense I leaped on my bike at 6:15 for my first extended morning ride in to work, plenty of hills though I wasn't honking, mainly leisurely spinning.

Now sat at work I'm reluctant to make any movements of my left leg at all and I'm putting off going to the loo as I really don't fancy tackling those stairs, and am half contemplating even going home (by taxi!) to go to bed with an ice pack

 

[Panter]

Sounds like your Quadricep (sp?)

Mine are very achey today (although not painful like yours) as I'm geting back into commuting after 3 months off.

EDIT: Just to add, I have managed to walk off aches and pains before with a very gentle lunchtime stroll, although it's uncomfortable to start with.
But, I'm not a doctor, try at your own risk!

 

[henshaw11]

IT band ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliotibial_band_syndrome

- tho' it sounds it's usually the knee end that gives trouble

There's some ITB specific stretches if it is that...

 

[Garz]

Calves may also effect your hamstrings and posture in the lower back. Do you stretch often?

Some people have shorter areas or imbalances from one leg to the other. Get yourself measured up and checked over. It may be as little as a shim or cleat adjustment that can help.