Another Injury Question

Brushiemma10w

Only came back to the cycling 2 months ago and having entered a 200km Tour of Britain Stage in July, I'd been upping my mileage to 100 a week and disaster struck.
My right calf, just below the knee, had been feeling a bit tight and whilst innocently mucking around in the garden and trying to sidestep my son with a rugby ball, I felt a very sharp pain in my calf. I now can't even walk properly and pressing down with my toes/raising my heel is a no no, so all cycling has stopped.
Is this likely to be a pull? a tear? Whats the difference in terms of recovery times and apart from popping Ibuprofen, what else should I be doing? (apart from stop being an arse in the garden).

I feel absolutely gutted now that I can't ride and although its only been 48 hours, the lack of any progress is depressing.

I've tried manning-up, but realise I'm too much of a pussy :roll:

Secteur

You have either torn part of your gastrocnemious/soleus (calf) muscle, or worst case scenario you have ruptured your achilles (unlikely, though a partial tear is possible).

You need to see a doctor.

Can you stand on your tiptoe (pain or not) - if so, then your Achilles is intact (good news!).

Is the pain low down the back of your leg, or higher up in the belly of the muscle?

Do you have a palpable swelling or firm lump (this might suggest a haematoma which in turn suggests a muscle belly tear).

Advice - REST - elevate, ice, massage but most inmportantly confirm the diagnosis!

No exercise for a good few days / a week (depending on severity), then gentle re-introduction.

ibuprofen (assuming you have no intolerance / allergy to it, or other contra-indications) would be sensible, taken with care.

Brushiemma10w

Thanks for that Secteur.

I can stand on tip toe with mild to moderate pain so I guess its probably a muscle tear in the belly of the calf. Despite limping around Twickenham yesterday, it actually feels a bit better today but will take your advice re resting it and i'll stay off the bike til the weekend. Have been on the Ibuprofen since it happened.

As for seeing my GP, I've more chance of an audience with the pope that getting an appointment, so unless it gets worse, i'll carry on as I am.

mrwibble

go see a local sports massage/physio guy/gal. Should be arounds £30. Wish I did three years ago with my back, you need some manipulation on it

Secteur

so, how's the leg?

cyco2

Doctors unless trained are about of use for sports injuries as the proverbial chocolate tea pot. Then at the end of the diagnosis you'll get to a physio in 4 weeks time if you're lucky.

It is vitally important you get as soon as possible to a paid physio. You may even need a scan. Instant physio work on your injury can start the repair process straight away and is worth the money. If badly injured you may need surgery and cast.

Remember.......A doctors job is to get you back to work not play.

I have got the T shirt.