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Biking slowing run injury recovery?

jhpiiijhpiii
in General Training Discussions

 I am dealing with a chronic calf muscle pull from running. Right now I am in the middle of a recovery period from a recent pull and it is taking longer than usual. I have been riding my regular schedule. Even though my calf does NOT hurt when I ride, I wonder if I am delaying the recovery by riding? If so, should I just stop riding AND running for a little while until I feel better?

John

Comments

  • kurshingkurshing
    I had a similar issue...not a pull, but a 'strain'...following my New Orleans 70.3. I did the same thing...biked and left the run out - it was the only way for me to stay sane!

    The truth it...ultimate rest is probably the BEST thing physically. However, there IS a mental/emotional consideration.

    This isn't an answer to your question - so, sorry - but, I am just saying, "I feel ya'".
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    Hard to say, could have just been a bad job on the calf. Maybe bump this thread on Monday to see if Leigh can hit it with specifics...

    P
  • Leigh BoyleLeigh Boyle

    The issue probably has less to do with the bike and more to do with the "chronic" part. Once you get an injury that's been sitting in there for weeks and months, or has been reinjured repeatedly in a single year, the muscles and tendons start to change as the inflammation process works it's course. Now you've got a muscle that's dried out and less elastic with a much smaller tolerance to work. image

    If it were me, I'd slide my cleats back and drop me seat to unload the calf and get to work fixing the actual problem versus waiting for recovery to happen. That being said- what are you doing to fix it??

  • jhpiiijhpiii

     Leigh- Thanks for the response. I have had this issue for about 6 years (yep, years). I have done every type of therapy known to man. Orthotics have been the only thing that has worked to some extent. But every few weeks the "injury" comes back. I just use the RICE method to recover. I do have a foam roller but it doesn't seem to make any difference. Time is usually the only thing that truly helps. 

    Sounds like you don't think there is anything wrong with riding while i wait for the calf to heal??

  • Chris GChris G

     You have been waiting 6 years for it to heal?  Not a pro but sounds like you need a new plan.  When I have pulled my calf in the past wrapping it tight [all day everyday for a while] and using heel lifts in my shoes has worked wonders.  Just as was suggested with the cleats/seat, it takes the pressure off.  Good luck.

  • Leigh BoyleLeigh Boyle
    @ John- have you ever gotten Graston??? It uses a metal tool and literally rakes the muscle fibers to break up the soft tissue adhesions/scar tissue in there. it starts the inflammation process over more or less so it can heal the right way. not pleasant at all, but definitely helpful for chronic stuff.

    what kind of orthotics are we talking?? my guess is you have a few corrections built in there so it's not as simple as flat feet. image

    to answer the original question- there isn't anything wrong with riding through it, but you're going to need to figure out the cause at some point (this is going to take time and will NOT be a quick fix, you passed that window about 5 years ago). 6 years of on/off symptoms = your calf/achilles is prone to tear/rupture from being injured for so long. be careful.
  • jhpiiijhpiii

     Leigh- Yeah, I have tried a lot of things but I have never just taken 6 months off, so that may be the solution after  this season. I have not heard of Graston- I had electric needle therapy once though. They basically stuck accupuncture needles in my calf muscle and then hooked them to electric stim. Worst pain I have ever had and it did nothing for me.

    My orthotics are for a foot that rolls outward due to a low first metatarsal. They have been the only thing that has allowed me to train for a consistent period of time.

    Thanks for the feedback. I am constantly on the edge of injury when running so I do try to be careful. But I am stubborn and refuse to quit. Maybe a long rest in the offseason will help.

    John

  • Leigh BoyleLeigh Boyle

    my guess is that even taking a year off won't fix the problem. it's not about an overworked muscle anymore. it's about a foot and leg that have now changed to adapt for that (lower leg twists, upper leg twists, foot stiffens, etc). Over time, those adaptations become permanent and the real problem. image

    if it were me- get through this season and make the time post season. track down a good sports PT and chiro even if it means driving and get yourself straighted out and realigned. you'll need a multi-person approach to loosen up the muscles and joints and then strengthen/balance them back to the way they SHOULD be. Don't toss $$ at it in the form of accumpuncture, massage, etc. It might feel good in the short term but it won't help in the long term. This will require work and compliance on your part. work works, remember?? 

    be careful in the mean time. I wasn't kidding about the tear/rupture stuff and unfortunately, that's year ending type of stuff, not just season.

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