Question:
cramping or strain in fibula area
I began training for a sprint triathalon (already had a significant fitness base, especially w/running) and after biking I went for a short, slow jog. About 1 mile into it I experienced what I thought was a calf cramp. I had to stop running. Tried to start again but no go. Iced, rested etc for next few days as I limped around and tried to stretch it. 4 days later I go for a bike run and am able to complete the first mile run no problem. Next run that followed a six mile bike-BAM, it did it again and I can't run, even the slowest of jogs. I have taken the rest of the week off of running but have biked/swam and still it hasn't healed. It is tender to the touch when I try to stretch it and is very lateral about 1/2 way between knee/ankle. The "cramp" feels like it is in the gastrocnemius but then the pain happens laterally. Any ideas?
Thanks
Asked by pherath - 2 answers - 2 years 44 weeks ago
shin splints
Submitted 2 years 44 weeks ago by alybdon't believe it is shin splints as this condition would most likely cause pain with biking, except if using a recumbent bike. sounds like you have irritated the soleus muscle which lies under the gastrocnemius. possible cause of this injury could be having the seat of your bike to low which inhibits the ankle on the down-stroke leg from properly plantar flexing. after miles of biking, and subsequent shortening / tightening of the soleus, you hop off your bike, start running, and the normal sequence of the gait cycle tries to plantar flex the ankle and comes up against resistance. irritation and pain follow.
Submitted 2 years 43 weeks ago by rrcarlsontry raising the bike seat slightly, ice the lateral aspect of the lower leg with an ice cup massage, do wall gastroc stretches but with the toe pointed inward 15-20 degrees to activate the soleus, and see what happens. may also want to have your feet checked for biomechanical problems and maybe get some custom orthotics. good luck