Cycling Injured

[nasserblue]

I have a slight calf strain, I know it needs two weeks rest, ice, compression and elevation... But two weeks without cycling, that means when I start back I can't go back to my full commute, I have to lope bits off or go out less often. I don't want to lose the conditioning I've just spent four months building up.

Besides the tube is hell...

Or I could ride slowly and hope I don't make it worse....

(Eleven miles almost dead flat, but there 78 sets of traffic lights...)

 

[HLaB]

I don't think the gentle cycle would hurt it but all that sopping and starting might. You'll know yourself how bad it is but you have to weigh it up against a wee while off with a slight calf strain or a longer time off after aggravating it. You wont lose fitness in a couple of weeks but you might if you are off with for longer with a more serious injury.

PS you have my commiserations about taking the tube I've only been to London a few times and hated it too, at least its can be a temporary alternative.

 

[Evilcat]

I've done this myself. Easy, gentle cycling should be OK. I'm of the opinion that the tube should be avoided at all costs during rush hour, so have tended to cycle even when injured (did 2 weeks with a broken wrist once, but that's another story!). I'd suggest copious use of the gears (if you're a fixie/single-speed rider then get some!) and gentle spinning, rather attempting to sprint from the lights.

EC

PS. People never believe me when I say I have 75 sets of lights in a 9 mile commute in London!

 

[cyberknight]

I am back to cycling and i think i fractured my toe,after 2 weeks it is still sore and swollen and i walk round the house bare foot .

At work luckily i wear some loose boots but by the end of the day it is painful.

 

[nasserblue]

Bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger...

I suppose you can guess I have aggravated my calf strain. Give me a broken wrist any day! (Actually don't because that'd stop me working, and as a contractor I can't really afford that).

Anyway, tried gentle spinning, on my three speed, I only achieved third, down hill with the wind behind me. So to increase the metreage again, unfortunately they don't put tube stations a couple of hundred metres apart. So when I added a mile to my commute... TWANGGG!!!!!

So now it's complete rest for a couple of weeks, and next time I'll have to build up the metreage even more slowly, it's going to be next year before I am back to doing the full eleven mile commute. I've absolutely no idea how some of you do daily 20+ mile commutes....

The autumn is the worst time for the tube as well, it is when it is at its busiest.

 

[summerdays]

Can I join the walking wounded group ... I did something to my back yesterday ... now I can't bend properly. Getting on or off the bike requires a kerb, lowering the bike (wishing it had a step through), and 5 mins. Once on the bike I'm fine and more mobile than if I was trying to walk though I don't like potholes. I've taken some pain killers, and sitting at the computer doesn't seem to bad but getting up or down to the seat is awful.

Any suggestions for good exercises to relieve the pain. And should I be using heat or cold on the area?


Perhaps if you cut us all up and glued the working bits together you might manage to make a whole person or two from the bits of us

.

 

[nasserblue]

Lying on a hard surface. Warmth is good for backs. Don't remain in one position too long.

 

[Moodyman]

I've absolutely no idea how some of you do daily 20+ mile commutes....

You mean you hurt your calf cycling?

If so, might I suggest a good stretch before and a good stretech after any period of exercise. Never had any problems in years of gyms, running and cycling.

Plus, listen to your body. It doesn't suddenly break - usually the warning signs are there before this happens. You must have been ignoring these and pushing yourself too far. Good luck with your recovery.

 

[Crankarm]

I've absolutely no idea how some of you do daily 20+ mile commutes....

You mean you hurt your calf cycling?

If so, might I suggest a good stretch before and a good stretech after any period of exercise. Never had any problems in years of gyms, running and cycling.

Plus, listen to your body. It doesn't suddenly break - usually the warning signs are there before this happens. You must have been ignoring these and pushing yourself too far. Good luck with your recovery.

+1.

Used to do 20 miles one way, weekend rides and still running 8-9 miles a day.

Only thing I would add is to massage muscles as opposed to stretching if you are generally UNFIT particularly leg and the lower leg muscles. Self massage is easy and you can target soreness in muscles. If you do stretch then don't over do it otherwise you will pull a muscle. Massage twice a day at start and end only need take 5-10 minutes. I think the OP would greatly increase his recovery by massaging and using ice packs or bag of frozen peas on the affected muscle(s).

 

[nasserblue]

Thanks I do all of this. My left calf is particularly weak, it's been prone to doing this for a few years now. Stretching, massaging, resistance work, ice, elevation...

I have also found trying to cycle without sudden bursts of acceleration difficult, and occasionally dangerous.

 

[nasserblue]

Sorry to bore everyone but...

One day and two tube journeys down, six days and 8 tube journeys to go...

 

[Headgardener]

How do you cope with standing on the tube or are you able to get a seat where you get on?

 

[fossyant]

Cycling won't injure a muscle - and certainly a calf muscle...........

 

[RedBike]

You've got my sympathy.

I've been off the bike injured for the last 3months myself after being tripped up. I'm now spending 3hrs a day stretching and running up and down the swimming poll 3 times a week in a vain attempt to get back riding /walking properly again.

 

[fossyant]

TBH, think your GP is talking carp....................... most do.....why.............. most medical staff are not used to fit people turning up at hospital or doctors.......... 'more later............'

Cycling is very very good exercise, it's (usually ahem) non impact and it's easy to warm up without inflicting injury. Unless you have a physical joint or tendon injury then I'd carry on cycling......... but take it easy.

Muscle strains ease by gentle exercise.........

Take running...it's all impact...you strain a muscle, you stop and recover slowly....cycling is different..... main injuries are shoulders - impact on tarmac, and knees - usually badly set up pedal/shoe interface.. with beginners........... I was drilled and drilled from club members about setting up cleats (I was one of the first to go Look with float....... so there)............ spend time setting up your pedals............... I can instantly get on a bike and know if the pedals/cleats aren't right within a few rotations now.......... and I use 2 pedal systems.............

The 'more later' was my specialist's referral...'It must not hurt too bad as he does heavy duty cycling'...... that was me questioning would the cortisone injection in my shoulder affect my 2 hour track session the next day with the CC massive.........FFS............... Track Sessions hurt............. lots.........

My advice.......

IGNORE the GP (although My GP knows me now) and carry on unless it's too painful...........