Quad injury question

[Laszlo]

Last Friday I went for a ride after stretching, I stretched afterwards in the shower. Everything seemed fine. Next day I awoke with a pain across the top of my leg with some difficulty walking or standing due to pain in the top of my upper leg and some pain in the front of the lower leg. Monday I went for another ride, I spun a low gear for a good 2-2 1/2 hours before going into a bigger ring. I felt no pain at all during the ride. Stretch before and after. Yesterday I had a 7 hour drive, walking was not so bad but I kept it limited. This morning I awake and I can barely stand or walk and feel considerable pain (dull and constant not sharp or localized to a specific point ) in the top of my leg. What is going on ? Any ideas please ? I don't want to increase injury if it is cycling related, but would like to ride as there isn't any pain during the ride. Thanks

 

[David Suro]

There could be a number of things causing this pain.

The most likely cause is overcontracture of rectus femoris. I frequently see cyclists in my office who have condition.

In order to verify this, I strongly recommend seeing a good chiropractor or physical therapist in your area.

If my guess is correct, the treatment is simple and involves stretching for the hip flexors as well as the quadriceps. Trigger point massage and electro-stim are also beneficial. Addressing the biomechics of the pelvis and lumbar spine are important.

Many chiros and P.T.'s will not be able to make the correct diagnosis. Be certain to call around and find someone in your area who has a lot of experience working with cyclists and runners.

If you have any other questions, feel free to send them my way.

 

[Laszlo]

Thank you David, your advice provides me with a great sense of relief. Would it be ok for me to continue to cycle in the meantime ? ( I am not racing )

 

[David Suro]

I am a chiropractor who takes care of many competitive cyclists. Any time there is a musculoskeletal issue, I recommend taking it easy on the bike for a couple of days, or completely putting a halt to the training for a couple of days.

Without being able to perform an evaluation in person, I do not feel comfortable giving you specific advice regarding your riding. I can say that ignoring it and trying to push through discomfort is not a wise decision without first going to see a specialist and being cleared for the activity.

Do you have a chiro or P.T. in your area that you are comfortable with?

 

[Laszlo]

I am a chiropractor who takes care of many competitive cyclists. Any time there is a musculoskeletal issue, I recommend taking it easy on the bike for a couple of days, or completely putting a halt to the training for a couple of days.

Without being able to perform an evaluation in person, I do not feel comfortable giving you specific advice regarding your riding. I can say that ignoring it and trying to push through discomfort is not a wise decision without first going to see a specialist and being cleared for the activity.

Do you have a chiro or P.T. in your area that you are comfortable with?

ummm, no... I haven't been to a doctor in years, despite my wifes nagging....

I respect your reservation on giving advice, which is perfectly sensible. You know, this morning I was quite worried, and scared even; I am used to some slight pain after some rides but it goes away within a day or so, this was different in how when I went to bed Friday night everything was fine and then seems to have gotten worse, while I was expecting it to get better. I was planning on doing a double century one day this weekend, but I can put it off and go easy until things get better or go see a doctor if it doesn't.

Initially, I was hoping this was a muscle cramp, and that there was a specific stretch that I could do that would cure this- but that not being the case I am relieved at least that there is no specific point on my leg that will cause sharp pain, no sign of bruising, swelling or unusual musclature shape- I can take this as a fair warning and not ramp things back up too soon.

Being able to google "rectus femoris" has given me plenty of good leads on the subject matter that I could observe how it applies to my symptoms and allay my fears.

Thank you again most sincerely for your time and consideration.

 

[180mmCrank]

Listen to your wife, listen to David or listen to me...

Go see a a qualified professional and get a proper diagnosis and some treatment Deep down you know that's the right thing to do.

 

[Laszlo]

I am concerned about running into a quack; my wife had to have a simple abdominal hernia operation done twice reciently because the first one was botched. If it heals on it's own without need for surgery then that is the best thing I think- if it is not healing then I have no choice and have to go see a doctor. I don't have much experience with injuries so I don't have anything to go on with this. I do have a good friend who is a certified running coach so I can ask him for a referal to a good sports doctor, in fact, I'll send him an email and see what he has to say about this. Thank you

 

[Tapeworm]

ummm, no... I haven't been to a doctor in years, despite my wifes nagging....

Whilst I am sure you may have good reasons for this, as you mentioned, it always amuses me that people are willing to have their bike/car/pet looked after and checked by professionals more often than they do themselves

You may also want to consult a bike fit specialist in relation to your position. A good position should not leave you with any such problems, unless there is an underlying medical issue.

(And by specialist I don't mean the guy in the bike shop who looks at you and says "yeah, that's close enough...")

 

[Laszlo]

I hear you, but money is not free. My priority right now is that this is going to feel better tomorrow or I'm going to go to the hospital after my wife gets back from work. I'l spend the day packing some provisions, a sleeping bag and maybe a tent for the waiting room.

It hurts less if I walk on it than just standing; I can smoothly pedal my bike on the indoor trainer with light resistance and the constant pain has gone from my quad to my shin; I soaked my leg in a hot bath this afternoon and the pain went away. Sitting here I can tap my feet to the music; I can move my legs- it's weird.

 

[Laszlo]

Update: well I went to a nearby rural hospital- in and out in less than 1 hour WOW. The doctor checked me out and said that it looks like I pulled and torn some of my mucles, that the pain in the morning or when I start to move around is most servere because the muscle is tearing from the bone that it attaches to while resting-I got some anti-inflamitory and pain medication and advice to find a athletic therapist. The big news is that it will heal- no surgery required. Yeahhhhh!

So, I guess my double is back on for next week ! (joking: I can learn to ease off ).