I can’t figure out what is going on. Everybody I talk to says I shouldn’t be getting Shin Splints from cycling, but I have.
The pain hurts here.
Can anyone think of what is going on? If you’ve experienced this problem, what solved it? My PT is thinking I may have a mild form of anterior compartment syndrome which could require surgery. My research has said cycling shouldn’t cause anterior compartment syndrome. Can anyone think of what would cause this while cycling?
Is it in the ridge between the shin bone and calf muscle, feeling more like the pain is coming from the side of the shin bone?
It is not a bone pain. The pain is most certainly a muscle. It is kind of a dull constant pain which can be exacerbated by cycling. The muscle can’t be stretched. My PT and I tried several ways, but it was no use. I never felt it.
It is very unlikely anterior compartment syndrome from cycling, but easy enough to test with a wick catheter. Not sure why you would be overusing the tibialis anterior so much cycling (not using Powercranks are you?)
It is very unlikely anterior compartment syndrome from cycling, but easy enough to test with a wick catheter.
My PT has me being evaluated next week by an orthopedist. I figure he will test me that way.
Not sure why you would be overusing the tibialis anterior so much cycling (not using Powercranks are you?)
Nope. I’m not sure what a Powercrank is, but my crank is powered by me.
I don’t know why I’m using that muscle so much either. I was hoping it was some kind of fit issue someone else has experienced or something. My training has gone down the tube at this point. Every single one of my rides are casual 13-15mph virtually coasting rides.
Have you experimented moving your cleats around? How about trying a different pedal system with more/less float? Bad pedaling could have you overusing that muscle.
Have you experimented moving your cleats around? How about trying a different pedal system with more/less float? Bad pedaling could have you overusing that muscle.
I have.
I’m using Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL with SH-11 cleats. (6degrees float) When I moved the cleat back it worked the muscle less, but made my knees hurt. When I moved it forward, my knees didn’t hurt, but it worked the muscle more. I finally found the ‘spot’ where my knees don’t hurt, but it does still works the muscle.
I didn’t have this problem last year, but I’m using the same cleats/pedals. I got a new bike (this started after that), but that bike is in the shop right now and I’m still experiencing pain on my other bikes.
Changing from Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL would be expensive since I have them on all of my bikes (four). However, if you feel confident suggesting something, I will invest and try it (I am desperate and willing to spend money at this point).
Is it in the ridge between the shin bone and calf muscle, feeling more like the pain is coming from the side of the shin bone?
It is not a bone pain. The pain is most certainly a muscle. It is kind of a dull constant pain which can be exacerbated by cycling. The muscle can’t be stretched. My PT and I tried several ways, but it was no use. I never felt it.
Yep, but is it in that area?
The reason I ask is because I have a similar pain. Cycling causes a greater depression of your arch / rotation of your ankle as their is no balancing support from your heel when you push down on the cleat. If your ankle is dropping inside then the muscles connected to the tendon running under your ankle bone and up the side (soleous and gastrocnemius I think) get overworked and sore. On me it felt almost ike the side of my shin was sore, in realty it was the soleous next to, slightly underneath it.
Stretching that area is near impossible. I found ankle / foot stregthening helped, along with bike orthotics (specialised do some for around $45. Calf stretching also helps loosen that area.
I THINK it is that area. The PT has me doing ankle pumps with resistance. Starting forward and coming straight back works that muscle. Doing that is when I feel the pain in PT.
I get that too, from cycling. For me it’s hill repeats and hard aero riding that brings it on. Maybe ankling too much, that is dropping down the heel thru the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Any way I use Triflora, a naturopathic arnica containing product you massage in as a balm. My massage person turned me on to this and used regularly with a few rest days = go to go.
I THINK it is that area. The PT has me doing ankle pumps with resistance. Starting forward and coming straight back works that muscle. Doing that is when I feel the pain in PT.
Sound like my issue then. Moving the cleats back and forward with the results you had indicates that too. Moving back will release pressure on that area as there less leverage, moving forward will increase the leverage. I moved my cleats back as far as I could without causing any other issues. That and the strengthening has made it go away now. I also got a pain around the ankle bone which I think was related. How long have you had it?
Sound like my issue then.
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How long have you had it?
Because you said it sounds like your issue, I went to the local bike shop and purchased the most supportive Specialized orthopedics (green) for $45ish. I haven’t tried them out, but the pain is REALLY bothering me today. Hopefully all this icing will make it feel better by tonight.
I have had the problem for around two months now. I’ve been on Mobic (prescription anti-inflammatory for a month and half). I have been in PT for over a month. It is my PT who thinks this may be anterior compartment syndrome.
On me it felt almost ike the side of my shin was sore, in realty it was the soleous next to, slightly underneath it.
I am starting to think your description here may be accurate. Since it has really been bothering me today I can feel its location better. I think it may actually be under the muscle I originally thought it was.
Thanks for the ideas. Maybe the insoles will help.
Thanks for the ideas. Maybe the insoles will help.
haha nice try, you are as bad as me. Insoles will mask the problem and / or aid in rehab but strengthening could actually solve it. Feet, ankle and possibly glutes to stop your knee / ankle rolling in. Time to seek help from the professional … Mr Physio
The longer you leave it the longer it takes to heal.
