Road Cycling - Pain right below the back of the knee/upper calf!

I asked this question 5 months ago - but the pain/cramping is still there. I apparently pulled this muscle that seems to be the top of the calf - right below the back of the knee. When I get up in the morning, walking is restricted in the way that i can feel it when walking. Im going biking today (50 today in Wisconsin) and I know that this will be a problem. Ive seen a knee specialist for bad knees and explained this muscle issue. He more or less explained that its part of the sport? Im not looking for an answer, (I think stretching might work good) but want to know if anyone else has this problem or something simalar. thanks

Originally posted by nikos
He more or less explained that its part of the sport?

I disagree with the physicians statement. Knee problems are a common ailment, but can usually be avoided by proper setup, form, and/or technique.

I have been having a similar problem and am beginning to think I have a muscle tear. Normally pain in this area indicates saddle height that is too high. I tried lowering my saddle position, but in my case it didn't help. I am going to begin a stretching and icing regimen hopfully.....

I would suggets getting a second opinion from another doctor, preferably a specialist, ( orthopedic), and one that rides. Many doctors don't know dick about cycling injuries and have no respect for our needs, undrestimate the stresses we put on our bodies and often base their diagnoses on suppositions

Ride Painless
Pat

I am having the same problem, Nikos. It has been recurring for the last two years, mostly after extended stress on the leg and every time the first time I exercise after tweaking my knee (I have had two surgeries on my right knee and have never had the damaged ligaments repaired). I felt a little bit of tightness and pain during RAGBRAI this past summer -- it was a very hilly and tough course this year -- and again after a 6 game softball tournament last September. I could hardly walk for a day or two after both occurences. I did it again a week ago while playing basketball. All of a sudden after about an hour of playing it started hurting badly when I put weight on the leg. A week later I am just starting to be able to put weight on the leg without limping.

Riding actually seems to help it. Part of my problem is I usually don't stretch before I exercise. At 40 I know it's important to make stretching a part of my routine.

Let me know if you hear anything that helps!

Tree Trunk

Take care when stretching!!!!

STRECTCHING BEFORE EXERCISE CAN EASILY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

If you stretch before exercise/riding, WARM UP FIRST-BE SWEATING. If you stretch cold muscles it is very easy to tear them

It is much more important to stretch after you exercise/ride BEFORE you cool down.

Stretch slowly and never "bounce" the stretch.


Ride Limber
Pat

As a vetran of knee injuries ---the majority recieved playing ball and martial arts what I've learned to do is rest that limb. Initially what you should do is apply a heating pad to the affected area if it feels crampy. Do this before getting out of bed this will ease the cramp and loosen the muscle.After getting out of bed walk around the house and GENTLY stretch the muscle. Get some Tiger Balm at the pharmacy it's great easpecially the Red(there are two kind Red=Hot & White-Milder) it's hotter than the usual white.Do not get the ointment it's not as good as the cream. Apply it to the affected area before bed it will lessen the chances of cramping at night. Secondly,see a Sports Orthopedist --- these guys know what's going on! A regular M.D. is not as well versed in orthopedic problems though few own up to it! Check the position of your bike at a bike shop with a fitting cycle. Sounds weird? Think about it -- even if you're off angle slightly your problem will intensify over time. It may also damage your cartiledge in your knees if you aren't properly aligned. Feel better. Jeannie P.S. _ If you go to the Orthopedist ask him to prescribe an antispasmatic.It's a quick surefire way to get relief.

My two cents, for what it's worth.

First of all, one of the smartest things a Doctor ever told me is that you are your best doctor. In other words listen to your body.

I too have been suffering with knee problems simialr to what you describe but I think we have different injuries. Regardless stretching does help me. Stretching can be done "cold" but you have to stretch slowly and carefully. It is best to walk around a bit before you stretch, but if you work upo sweat before hand you may aggrevate the injury in the process. However stretching will only work if you stretch the right muscle or area. Sometimes Chiropractors or Massage therapists can be very useful. Lance Armstrong credits much of his success to his Chiroppractor.

Try to find a Doctor or Chiropractor that rides, or at least supports cycling. Ask local racing teams which doctor they use. I think that Lemond guy lives there in Wisconsin, there are bound to be news stories that mention the name of his doctor.

Most important is that you may need to rest for a couple of weeks to heal. I know that is hard to do but you will lose much fitness doing so. You may even gain strenthg, just watch what you eat during your rest period.