I’ve also just stumbled on this (it’s very hard to find anything on the internet). I’m purely a cyclist and have also had quad issues for years that’s recently progressed to a numb foot. I first noticed the problem around 2009 trying to do a short steep climb, and it’s to the point now that I can’t do any cycling on an incline, and the problem lasts for days after a ride. I won a stock time trial series in 2013, averaging a bit over 20 mph (short course, 10.8 miles with a few rollers). This year on the same course that’s been shortened to 10 miles I am now down to 17.7 mph (from 18.8 in May-so it’s getting worse quickly now).
I’d characterize it as the exact same feeling as you get when you are squatting for a while to look at a bottom shelf and stand up quickly, but I feel it in my quads. In the days after the ride I am not able to move my legs a few seconds after coming up one flight of stairs from the basement to the main level of the house. It feels basically like all of the blood suddenly drained out of my legs a few seconds after I ascend and I just can’t move-like my legs are going to pass out?? Is that anything at all similar to what other people have experienced?? I’ve also had a problem with my left ankle for a few years, but maybe that’s unrelated. I figured it might be compensation and that I’m no longer able to do a smooth controlled pedal stroke.
I’ve had so many tests, and they are all negative (blood work, rheumatologist). It makes me feel crazy and that I should be able to ride through it if I really wanted to. But I’m trying so hard! I’ve tried taking time off, interval training, long rides to ease into the season, more protein, changing diet…nothing ever works. I’m pretty depressed because cycling is really important to me (I cannot even keep up on team coffee rides anymore). I *have *been riding in a very aggressive position since at least 2009 on all rides; group rides, solo, TT training, etc. I used to flip the stem the first year, but haven’t since then-I ride aggressively positioned 100% of the time (mostly because I was getting slower and slower and it helped me keep up on rides).
Is there any chance that I might have illiac artery endofibrosis even though I only ride 2,500-3,000 miles a year, generally (although I did hit 5,000 miles in 2010, generally it’s closer to 3,000)? I am trying so hard!! Either I need to go on meds as a mental case, or it’s something like this that wouldn’t show up on normal lab tests. All the doctors I’ve seen compare me to the general sedentary American and don’t take me seriously. They think my riding is sort of over the top, even though I’m at the low end compared to any one of my teammates or friends.
If it might be endofibrosis and only shows up when I’m cycling, how do I find a vascular surgeon who will take me seriously and knows how to do the testing? I live in Minnesota and could get to Mayo. If I could find out what’s wrong and get back to even where I was just a few years ago, I’d be able to ride with my friends and socialize again. It would mean so much to me!
Thanks-I sure hope this thread isn’t too old.