I rode 4 days in a row this week, Sun thru Wed. 'Only' 20 miles a day, but I'm 72 and the path has some fairly steep hills. Thursday I presented with 'something' in my left ankle that I've never had before. I would be able to walk 20 steps, no problem, then step just right (weight on the heel) and it would hurt like hell in my ankle! I bought an ankle brace at the drugstore, don't think it helps at all. Here I am, after breakfast this morning, Thursday, and it hasn't hurt a bit. YET! Probably will later in the day after I walk a little more.

I'm pretty sure I incurred it from riding the bike, though it never hurt when I was riding. (This is typical of my ailments) I have a road bike with toe cage pedals.

Has anyone experienced this kind of thing with their bike riding?

I'm somewhat younger than you but i do understand your pain. Ankle pain is not a good thing, and if it keeps getting sore it would be a good idea to get professional advice.

In my case, the right ankle has a sensitive tendon.
A while ago, I noticed my ankle was getting unusually tired on hilly rides. Then one day it really started hurting - I spent 3 days limping around the house unable to put any weight on my heel. After a little rest it soon improved, but it can get tired sometimes - espically after alot of walking or running.
What has helped me are proper stiff-sole bike shoes, making sure my bike is a good fit & wearing an ankle support during long sessions on the bike, walking & running.
I wouldn't put too much blame on the toe-clips, just make sure your shoe-soles are stiff enough so you can minimise the strain on the ankle.

That's my story, but I'm no expert or anything.

+1 on haveing someone look at it,,,,if it does not get better. On the other hand maybe sooner would let you know just what you are dealing with. I am one too who does not like to go to medical advice unless it is necessary but the definition of 'necessary' is relative. ... ... ... ...peace

I have been wearing Adidas sneakers biking. EXTREMELY supple soles, since they're at least 3 years old and my favorite shoes. (I wear orthotic insoles in them). So I like you suggestion about trying a stiff-soled shoe. At I mentioned, the ankle brace I bought seemed to bring no relief at all. After a two-day rest from biking I'm going to attempt a come-back today. I'll try a walking shoe, although it has a kind of aggressive tread that doesn't slide very good over the pedal's serrated surface.

Any chance your foot postition on the pedal has changed without you being aware of that? Small changes sometimes produce bad results to your body. Other thought is the same thing about seatpost slipping down or seat has slipped and not in its original postition. Or pedal bearing shot and your required effort is increased = pain. Good luck.

+1 on the foot position issue. It wouldn't be a bad idea to check that out. My seat position may have been part of my problem.

On the shoe issue - I use toe-clips myself. In my experience, I prefer shoes with fairly stiff soles as I reckon they give my feet more support & more power. Whilst sneakers fit best into toeclips, the soles have a tendency to flex after awhile. In the hunt for the perfect pair of sneakers, I've been through a few pairs. That's why I went ahead & replaced my sneakers with some budget bike shoes. I've been wearing them for a few months & the sole is staying stiff. And I agree with you, the aggressive tread takes a bit of getting used to.

The ankle brace doesn't cure the problem, only rest can do that. But it helps my ankle last a game of ultimate frisbee (up to 60 mins with includes alot of stop/start fast running) without too much discomfort.

Happy riding

My ankle is better with a few days rest and wearing thick-soled hiking shoes to bike. I went ahead and ordered SH-MT20D Mountain Shoes size 45 (which is supposed to translate to American size 10.5) from Nashbar. Haven't come yet. With my luck they'll probably be too long for my toe cages. What 'budget' bike shoes did you buy that fitted your toe cages ok?