Strain/tear on calf muscle while riding

[Samuelgowland]

Hi thanks for that, it sounds like a possible scenario as I did not warm up at all and due to it being late it was quite cold and I was cold, also I do cycle on the coast so there was a chilli sea breeze as well and I was just wearing my summer cycling kit. I think il try take it easy for a few days and see if it improves or if it doesn't. Thanks Sam

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Must be a slight tear. Strange thing to happen on a bike, I must say, but cramp wouldn't result in pain 24 hours later - at least not in my experience.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi Sam, like @Globalti suggested, go see a sports injury physiotherapist, he'll fix you in no time.
I tore a muscle in my back just over a week ago (cycling!), 2 days later I was back on the bike and able to work, my work involves heavy lifting and standing for hours.
It is still a bit painful, of course, tomorrow will be my third session with the physio, a few appointments are needed.
Btw, ice packs and gentle exercise were prescribed.

 

[montage]

Could be a strain / tear / cramp. Cramp can be pretty severe - I've temporarily lost vision from it before and my legs certainly hurt for days after. I imagine taking it easy is the best course of action - the standard Rest Ice Compression Elevation method with some very light spinning to maintain movement is likely to be what is prescribed. Either way your muscle sounds a bit damaged, so the symptoms and treatment will pretty much be the same whether it is a minor tear/strain or severe cramp. It's worth noting at this point that cramp can cause small tears, so it would be quite easy to go round in circles with this one.


Just a note on calf cramp - having your saddle too high and being a toe dipper (the latter being caused by the former) is a huge cause of cramp among cyclists, probably more so than dehydration or any other factor. The fact you state you are on a bike that is too big may well be the explanation here