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bruised heel from cycling??

jhpiiijhpiii
in General Training Discussions

my goodness, I feel like I have a new pain every freakin' day!

I did my FTP test yesterday and during the last 10 minutes I felt some tightness in my lower calf area- near achilles. Today my heel is killing me, as if it is bruised. Is this likely a bruise or is it "ligament" related??

Thanks for all the help from the meds!

Comments

  • Leigh BoyleLeigh Boyle

    I'd say it's more of an achilles tendon strain. ligaments connect bone to bone so unless your wrenched your ankle, you're good on that front. image

    When the achilles is strained, it can actually pull at it's insertion point into your heel bone which can result in pain, tenderness (like that bruise you are talking about), and sometimes swelling/actual bruising.

    you're going to want to get on this one asap to prevent if from becoming a full blown achilles tendonitis. you'll want to work on your calf to get it to release so both foam roller/stick/etc and lots of stretching and ice. also a good idea to work on your plantar fascia (while standing, use a tennis ball to work along your arch; may be very tender so go easy at first).

    here are some links to get you started:

    1) stretches

    www.endurancenation.us/en_forums/showthread.php

    2) ideas for how to work on your calf- key areas will be soleus, gastroc + post tib

    www.youtube.com/watch

  • jhpiiijhpiii

    Leigh- Great advice! I have done some reading too. When I press on my heel with my thumbs, it doesn't hurt, it's only when I am walking. Which leads me to the exact conclusion that you came to. Plus, my achilles area is even more sore this morning. Thanks so much for the stretching and treatment techniques. I am really hoping this is a short-lived problem. (So strange to get an injury like this from cycling???)

    Thanks again!

  • Leigh BoyleLeigh Boyle

    It's actually really common in cycling. Stiff shoes + small pedal + trying to get every possible watt out of your legs means you'll use every muscle you have. In the mean time until it cools down, slide your cleats back on your shoes and drop your saddle a hair. this will help take pressure off the achilles. that way you can still ride comfortably and then switch it back when things feel better. image

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