washed up

Wondering if anyone has ever developed and Achilles tendon injury from riding, seems to be more of a running injury...I dont run. If so, how did it develop and how long were you off the bike?
I'm not sure how this developed as I recently began riding inside with Zwift as the cold temps hit. My sessions have been between 1 to 2 hours but not much more difficult than my outside rides. I did have a change of shoes from what I was wearing outside. Not sure what brought this on. I have been walking with a limp for about 5 days now with no time on the bike. It does seem to be improving with alternating heat and cold packs but very slowly. Would appreciate any insight from those who have gone through this. Thanks.

livedarklions

As someone who has gone through a lot of foot stuff, see a doctor if it doesn't start easing off right away. Things can pop in there and need repair, and time is generally not your friend if it isn't healing on its own. You probably need an xray to figure out what's going on.

There's a fine line between improving very slowly and just getting used to about the same amount of pain.

indyfabz

Hurt mine during Cycle Oregon back in 2005. I suspect it was caused by improper saddle height after reassembling the bike after flying and some really steep ups one day. Resolved itself after maybe a week of rest.

Cyclist0108

Ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause Achilles tendon weakening or rupture. Have you had any of those?

AndrewJB

I have been a runner since HS (class of '75, yeah I'm old). About 6 years ago my running was not on regular basis, my weight had crept up, I was out for a run and my Achilles were tight but I thought I could run though it...bad idea. About half-way through a 3 mile run I got a shooting pain in my right Achilles. I took a couple weeks off with cold/heat treatments. Thought it was better, went for a run, after a short distance, sharp pain again. Went through this once more, then took a couple months off. Saw a doctor who diagnosed tendonitis. This was when I bought a bike and started cycling again after 25-30 years. I didn't run for almost 3 years.

The biking caused a little discomfort sometimes but not like running. I bought a set of ankle boots to keep my feet at a 90 degree angle when I slept to keep the calves & tendons stretched. I started going to the gym and incorporated ankle presses, very light weight at first (i'm up to 215 lbs now). I bought some of that KT tape you see all the athletes using. I run it from my heel to my calf, stretch it when applying, while extending my foot, to make sure it is providing resistance to stretching the tendon when running/riding. Continued cold treatments whenever I feel a little tightness/pain.

All those, over time, really helped relieve the pain & discomfort. About a 1-1/2 years ago I started very easy runs again. I still use the KT tape any time I run, not generally when I ride. When I stretch before every workout, I am careful not to overstretch my calves.

Bottom line it is going to take time off to recover. See a doctor to make sure nothing is torn. The boot, the tape, the weight loss, the exercise...and time worked for me.
I know this is not exactly your situation as you don't run, but this is what I went through to get back to generally pain free running & riding.

Reynolds 

Had a mild tendinitis 2 times, once due to misplaced (too forward) cleats I think, the other no apparent cause. Both on long (all day) rides. No special treatment said the Dr., just stop cycling for 1 week and taking it easy for another one.

washed up

Thanks for the input. I dont believe its a rupture so I have not seen the dr. I figure he will just say no exercise use heat/cold. I just never associated this with cycling but it sounds like its not that uncommon. Will probably give it a few more days as it seems to be slowly getting better. Just not sure how this started in order to prevent it in the future. Might try that KT tape.

ironwood

My Achilles tendon started to hurt a few months ago; but it didn't happen on the bike, it could have been the shoes I had on were not properly broken in. I am careful not to reinjure it and wear a brace. After the injury, I pedaled with my arch over the pedal because there is less strain on the tendon that way.

Machka 

I tore (micro tears) both achilles tendons in 2002 cycling more hills than I was used to on a bicycle with the saddle set too high. I was on a the Rocky Mountain 1200.

I was off the bicycle for a couple months. Achilles tendons are very, very slow to heal.

When I did start cycling again, I had to learn how to tape my ankles for Achilles tendon injuries, and then I found wraps that wrap my ankles in a similar way to the tape.

And I've struggled with my right Achilles tendon since ... I still wrap my ankles if the ride is going to be particularly hilly.

KraneXL

Cycling is low impact the opposite of what could cause injury of damage to the Achilles tendon. I suspect there's likely a lot more to it than meets the eye.

ironwood

This is a very interesting post, I see that other antibiotics such as doxycycline can also cause problems with your tendons. In my case I did take a course of doxycycline before my tendon began to hurt. I guess that the antibiotics that attack the proteins covering bacteria, can also attack your tendons. Someone with more knwledge might be able to explain it better than I can.

This is something any cyclist or runner should be aware of.

eja_ bottecchia

jgwilliams

I had an injury when I was young. In my case I could feel it if I lightly pressed against the tendon and wiggled my foot up and down. It felt rough, as if the tendon needed lubricating or had abraded slightly. In my case it was treated with regular application of Transvasin, which I think is basically the same as Deep Heat.

BlazingPedals

It's not real common in cycling, but it does happen. It's mostly associated with over-40 and running sports, especially the ones where the person is doing start/stop/change directions such as basketball. In cycling, having a too-high saddle or having cleats too far out toward the toes are the biggest factors. Unless the injury is severe, the treatment is usually rest until it doesn't hurt anymore, then gentle stretches to make the tendon more supple and less apt to re-injure.

garryg

Twice while touring i had my achilles flare up,swelling and pain. I think it may have been seat height related but i am not sure.I am 60. I did a small tour this summer and had no achilles problem,just need a new knee.

Cyclist0108

I think the fluoroquinolone antibiotics inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase. Why they would mess with tendons is a mystery to me.