Sudden thigh pain

Clum84

Been trying to increase the fitness levels recently on the turbo trainer after a long period off the bike. After a few weeks of pushing about an hour per day without any issues, I've had a few days off, mostly due to several nights out and the ensuing hangovers. Now trying to get on the bike, I almost immediately get a SEVERE sharp pain in one or both of my thighs, localised to the upper outside part of my leg. It's absolutely not cramp as it happens within a minute of starting peddling and is a completely different pain anyway. The pain becomes unbearable if I continue going at it, but completely subsides as soon as I get off the bike.

Anyone any ideas? I can rule out thigns like cramp, not stretching and incorrect bike setup. It's not so serious that I'm considering a doctor or anything as it's only been a couple of days like this, although I though I'd ask for some opinions from the more experienced of you here.

Cheers

ut_och_cykla

Dehydration due to boozy nights?

macondo01

My thigh pain was caused by poor bike set up - the saddle too fat back irritated a nerve and caused an agonising spasm in one thigh - but it actually happened on and off the bike so different to you. The good news was moving the saddle and a could of days off the bike made all the difference.

How are you getting on?

archaeo

Hey this is exactly what is happening to me - Macondo01 - sounds promising as I am getting quite depressed about it - Did moving the saddle really make that much difference - like the OP ive not altered my position at all but cant ride more than a couple of minutes at the moment - on road bike or turbo?

macondo01

Yep made a real difference to me. On a new bike I hadnt compensated for it having a set back seat post. After a break of three days and making adjustment the pain has gone (been riding as normal for a week now).

archaeo

ill have a shift about with the saddle and see - but its searing pain even with very gentle spinningon the turbo - siezes up after 2 minutes - ill post the results!

macondo01

Yikes. Is that really with just easy spinning? And have you tried on the turbo sitting upright?

archaeo

yep - did nothing - unclip, stretch the leg feels ok - start pedalling again - ok for a minute or so then starts up again - but off the bike within a few minutes its gone - i have booked a physio consultation but i effectively cant ride at the moment and cannot recall any injury or strain in previous rides - all fine 20-50 mile rides for the previous 4-5 weeks teo to three times a week - then bang this happens?

macondo01

Glad you are going to see the physio. My other suggestion would be to do some gentle stretching before your warm up on the bike (well if you can). You might have torn/pulled a muscle. Good luck.