Legs Hurting for a Year now

[Bob42]

Copy of email sent to cyclingnews.com Q and A:

Hi,

I'm an 18 year old road rider living on the outskirts of London. Last April to June, I did far too much training. I had been on maybe 50-60 miles a week, but I suddenly upped this to 200+ for a 2 month period, at the end of which I did the London to Brighton ride. Before the ride, my legs felt somewhat tired, but I blitzed the 55 miles and came 3rd. Unable to get a train home, I cycled back to London, ending up with a total of 110 miles or so. This was far more than I had ever done in a day (previously 75 miles max), so I wasn't worried when my legs were still tired after a few days. I went on some recovery rides and rested. However, almost a year of no cycling on, my legs still hurt. I have had a blood test done, looking for markers of certain types of serious muscle damage, but I tested negative. I tend to walk a lot and do upper body weights, but I have been assured that these should not hinder my recovery. I have recently started spinning extremely gently for 20 mins a day, but have got nowhere. The sports specialist physio I have been to see doesn't really seem to have any ideas. Any help you can give would be so much appreciated, this is getting really depressing.

Thanks

Robert Heaton

 

[Bob42]

The physio did some strength tests, and my leg muscles are still very strong. It's nothing to do with my posture either.

 

[Fday]

Copy of email sent to cyclingnews.com Q and A:

Hi,

I'm an 18 year old road rider living on the outskirts of London. Last April to June, I did far too much training. I had been on maybe 50-60 miles a week, but I suddenly upped this to 200+ for a 2 month period, at the end of which I did the London to Brighton ride. Before the ride, my legs felt somewhat tired, but I blitzed the 55 miles and came 3rd. Unable to get a train home, I cycled back to London, ending up with a total of 110 miles or so. This was far more than I had ever done in a day (previously 75 miles max), so I wasn't worried when my legs were still tired after a few days. I went on some recovery rides and rested. However, almost a year of no cycling on, my legs still hurt. I have had a blood test done, looking for markers of certain types of serious muscle damage, but I tested negative. I tend to walk a lot and do upper body weights, but I have been assured that these should not hinder my recovery. I have recently started spinning extremely gently for 20 mins a day, but have got nowhere. The sports specialist physio I have been to see doesn't really seem to have any ideas. Any help you can give would be so much appreciated, this is getting really depressing.

Thanks

Robert Heaton

What does the pain feel like. Is it there all the time or just when you do something? does anything make it better or worse?

 

[sogood]

Human leg is pretty long and has many parts.

So which part/s hurt? When does it hurt? How does it hurt? Is there anything that makes it worse? Is there anything that makes it better?

 

[Dondare]

Try having a course of massages.

 

[Bob42]

Sorry guys, I should have put in some more details. Basically it's my quads and calves. I can pretty much always feel that something is wrong - they will always feel slightly heavy. But sometimes they become a lot worse - usually after standing up for a long time. I haven't cycled properly since they died on me. Nothing really seems to make a positive difference.

 

[sogood]

Change a doctor and have a fresh review of the problem.

I am wondering if there's an issue on the neurological side.

 

[samcrx3]

Hi there,
This is just a thought. Have you had your thyroid levels checked for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism? Both conditions cause cramps, weakness and muscle pain when riding a bike. I am just recovering from hypothyroidism and it affected my riding badly and the muscles in my legs ached and hurt so much during a ride, I just stopped riding. With treatment, I've noticed a huge difference and enjoy riding again. This may not be your problem, but it is worth checking out. I do hope you find out what is causing your pain soon.
Sam

 

[Fday]

Sorry guys, I should have put in some more details. Basically it's my quads and calves. I can pretty much always feel that something is wrong - they will always feel slightly heavy. But sometimes they become a lot worse - usually after standing up for a long time. I haven't cycled properly since they died on me. Nothing really seems to make a positive difference.

As others have said, lots of stuff can result in something non-specific like this. Foolish to even guess without a more depth history and exam. Go see a doctor and after it is all said and done, if it is still unresolved the we will at least know what it is probably not.

 

[marko16]

I'm 43 today, so 18 is a little hard to remember. But I recall exactly what you described. Legs just never felt good no matter what. I didn't do anything specific and it did go away. I did do extra rest and stretching, but to be honest I think it went away on it's own. The reason I think about it is no matter how far my weeks are the last few decades, whether it be 200 to 375, they never feel bad anymore. Tired but not that dull achy feeling. I can ride everyday and even if they are sore, they'll feel good in an hour. The power is gone but they feel good. That part is for hope, but I would try a few days without riding and massage.

 

[benkoostra]

My instinct would be to stretch a lot and get a massage. The pain might be in a different place than the tight muscle, and if you rarely/never stretch those muscles, the pain will linger. For instance, tight hamstrings can cause pain in just above and below the knee cap. Just a thought.

You should definitely see another doctor. Not that the one you see is incompetent, but fresh eyes are always good.