jnbacon

At least, I'm assuming it is tendonitis: burning, achy pain in my Achilles tendon (left leg), and it feels like it is sticking to the tendon sheath when touch the tendon and flex it. I think the cause was a week of no biking during vacation, followed by an immediate return to my normal level without stretching. From what I've read, rest with a gradual transition back to regular exercise is the remedy, followed by stretching and warm-up before exercise to prevent recurrence.

Yesterday was a bear: Biked on it in the morning, and realized that was a mistake. But I had a noon appointment and no other way to get there. So, I gritted my teeth and made the appointment, but was grateful to accept a ride from my friend afterwards. Then, last night, significant swelling around the tendon, and this morning, very achy even to walk.

Fortunately, I have my father-in-law's truck for a couple of weeks, and I may not commute at all next week. I'm so bummed. Today is the first day in four months that I didn't bike to work.

Any other thoughts on prevention or recovery (or sympathy, for that matter! I can hear the tiny violins now!) would be appreciated.

Corsaire

I had the same problem back in January, culprit was not warming up rpoperly and pushing it too hard in the cold. The only cure is rest and RICE.
Corsaire

Camel

Yeah-ditto. See a Doc.

Particularly if you notice your foot, when stepping, is pointing left "too much". Possible sign of a more severe injury.

When you can ride again, and hopefully soon, review your fit. If using clipless, perhaps moving cleats back a bit may help prevent future injury.

jnbacon

Hmm. Haven't noticed the left pointing, but I'll keep an eye out for it. I realize now that I ignored it too long, and should have taken a rest earlier, so the doc may be in order. But, from what I've read, the treatment is pretty standard (rest, ice, sloooowly training, prevention in the future), though I did read today an article about calf-strengthening exercises that are excellent prevention and treatment.

Thanks for the suggestion on the fit. I've also got to look at my gearing, which I thought was too low, but now may need to be lowered so that I come back easy. (I'm on a fixie.)