Pain in shin
 

Hey guys! I have noticed that when I am grinding up steep hills I experience very strong pain in my right shin. It only occurs when I am grinding and pushing hard. What can cause this? I am thinking that the cleats could have something to do with it, but I do not want to change it before asking the people on here. How should the cleat be positioned on the shoe? Thanks!!


I am using Shimano SPD-SL cleats.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. Maybe??? (not a Dr.)

Shin splints. This is the reason I can't run and part of the reason I cycle as much as I do. I am sure that I could probably alter running form in order to get rid of them, but I don't try because I hate running and like to ride a bike.

As far as treating them, the best thing is prevention because once it starts you are in for several weeks of healing. In your case this would apparently mean not being on the bike. If it is only happening while grinding start spinning.

As far as cleat positioning, that is a huge topic with as many different answers here as there are members. I'd get a reputable bike fit before taking the advice of internet forum goons like myself. If that doesn't work, then maybe inquire here as to what others have done.

I've had that problem on the right inside of my shin. Moving my cleats towards the outside of my shoes, so that q-factor was reduced, helped some.

Thanks for the advice! I will see if changing cleat position helps, if it does not and the pain becomes worse I will see if I could have a serious problem.

I do try spinning, but one of the local hills I climb has grades of over 20% and even with a triple, I can't really spin.

The last time I was aching there was after setting up my latest bike and I rode with the saddle too low.

Hmm....I'll see if that helps. But the pain only occurs in my right leg and while pushing a high gear or grinding uphill.

Have you been doing this ride? Is it new routine? Wondering if your muscle is up to it for long term or just setup issue.

I've done the climb 5-6 times, it is pretty difficult, but I can do it with a little effort. I have done it twice in a row before so I don't think it is a problem with my fitness.

If such is case, my initial question would be... what changed? :) The shin pain is new thing right? If nothing seemed to have changed... I would look to see if cleat is tight first, etc. If something changed... we know where to start looking. (And Doc is probably in order for that).

give your body several days to rest, then try again. your legs probably aren't perfectly symmetric, so don't be afraid to tinker with just your right side...cleat in, cleat out, cleat front, cleat back. Are you right-legged, resulting in your mashing harder with your right leg when going up a steeper hill? use your hammies more?

This sounds similar to a problem I had when I was training for an uphill time trial and was forcing my body to do more than it was ready to handle. My PT was able to work on it, but it required DEEP tissue work on the lower section of my calf. That is seriously painful stuff, but it was effective though I'd try to avoid it. I tried Lamaze breathing techniques and he still made me yell out in pain. lol

If this sounds similar, try backing off a bit. On a steep hill that often isn't an option, but I find that you don't necessarily need to "attack at 100%" with each pedal stroke. If I back it off maybe 5-10%, overall performance improves since I don't tire as quickly.

Good luck.

Bob

There are a number of things it could be and certainly too hard tell in a forum. However, I'd look at overuse rather than setup as the likely culprit. Changes in intensity and volume can easily manifest in such probs even with a "perfect" bike fit. Take a look at your recent cycling habits to see what has changed and what might have contributed. FWIW, I'd be cautious about monkeying with the fit as a solution. That is a common tactic and one that can actually exacerbate the problem MUCH faster. Just be careful. Hope you heal up quickly!