Ankle Pain
 

I'm currently dealing with a frustrating pain issue with my left ankle. It started around September last year. Initially I noticed some stiffness in the front of my left ankle. I continued to ride regularly (about 75-100 miles a week). Over the next few weeks, my ankle became more and more sore. It did not bother me while ridding, or I should say, not noticeably worsen. I would describe the pain as an ache, in the front of my ankle, that became worse over time. Not a sharp pain. Also, there is no noticeable swelling. Eventually (after about a month) it was bad enough that I stopped ridding for a few weeks. I would ice it a couple times in the evening, take ibuprofen, etc. After a few weeks off the bike, the pain was gone. Now I have been riding regularly again for 2 months and the pain is back. I had an appointment with an orthopedist yesterday and x-rays came back negative. I now have an MRI scheduled for next week.

I have 3 bikes that I ride regularly. A road bike, a dedicated indoor trainer, and a full suspension mountain bike. Nothing has changed on any of these in the last couple years. One thing I did try, after some research on the internet, is moving my cleats further back on my shoes. I wear the same mountain bike shoes (SPD cleats) for all 3 bikes. That has not helped. I have used these same shoes for several years.

So my question is, has anyone experienced anything similar and/or have any ideas what could be the cause? Any ideas what I could try that might alleviate the pain or at least identify the cause?

Thanks!

Is it the foot that you predominantly clip in/clip out? A friend developed an ankle injury related to how he was clipping, which resulted in months off of the bike, and then mixing up how he clips, both in which side and in which rotation he unclips (toward the frame/away from the frame).

Interesting idea. Yes, it is the foot I clip out/in when stopping.

It's possible you've rolled it strangely when clipping out, and doing that for years has caused mechanical injury. Another option could be adjusting how much rotation results in unclipping, either by changing the pedal and cleat or adjusting them if possible.

Been doing more research and I think what I have is extensor tendonitis. I do have somewhat flat feet. Looks like I need to rest until pain is gone, then get inserts that will provide better arch support.

What Are the Treatments for Extensor Tendonitis? | LIVESTRONG.COM