Forum menu
Well having wasted all of this summer due to a Achilles rupture back in early June. Started off as Tendinopathy then went bang at work. I'm hoping to get back riding this week but I'm a little apprehensive. My last ride was mid May I think.
Now I'm off for four days this week (Today, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) so was hoping to get some rides in.
I have three options, flat boring ride round the park (2 miles) short off road route (4.5) and longer 10 mile route.
Would it be wise to go off road straight away or start on road and progress as the weeks go on. Don't want to injure myself again.
Suggestions?
If this is the first time you have sat on a bike since June I'd take it easy. All rides starting from the house?
Do a lap of the park and see how you feel, then add in off road, see how it goes.
Whats your physio say?
I'd personally be tempted to have spun the legs on an exercise bike or trainer first, if it's not right you are never that far from home on one of those 🙂
Been back at work ( Hospital Ward) since early October just on reduced hours (24 hours instead of 37.5 per week) and commute by motorbike. Not sat on mountain bike since my last ride.
Still doing physio and the eccentric exercises heel drops from stairs etc and told to keep wearing a splint at night in bed.
Asked about cycling but told only if comfortable. But I work with the Consultant who did my op and he just said maybe wait till new year.
Just feel lazy and have £1000 mountain bike Sat there with flat tyres under the stairs.
It's tough, the other thought is how would you feel about having the bike sat under the stairs for longer because you rushed back and screwed it up again.
New year is only about 6 weeks away.
What other exercise are you allowed to do?
Swimming/walk etc.
I've known a few with leg based injuries and sometimes spinning with zero resistance is suggested to get movement back. This part of recovery is something you want to do as a partnership with your physio. Make sure they know what you were doing before and what you want to get back to, might be worth speaking to someone who deals more with sports injuries if your current physio is not sure. Caution will normally win out with some people if they are not sure.
Is your consultant basing his judgement on your particular case (follow up scans/examinations) or rubbing his chin for a normally takes?
They did suggest (physio ) light cycling and swimming. I do walk a lot at work which does bring on pain. But ice when I get in helps.
I started off with Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy but it was just above the heel where it went bang. Ultrasound on the 5th of November showed moderate insertional Achilles Tendinopathy still.
Can't take it too easy imo esp with something like Achilles. Bust it again and you'll be off more than 6 months
My mate Dave had a bit of an off about this time last year. Came back after Xmas all Stormtroopered up and 2 stones heavier crashed again hasn't ridden since
Just saying like
Just got for the easy short loop and do it once. No matter how much you want to go on the first day don't. See how it feels on the bike, the day after etc. If it feels ok do a couple of laps a few days later etc.
Build up gently and go by how it feels.
I did the same in June.
Just starting to do some of my old 'usual' routes now.
Started back really easily.
First was around the block - less than a mile but felt good to turn pedals again - no strength in left leg though.
You need to build it up slowly.
Tried a road ride not long after that lasted a pathetic 9 miles - no power through bad leg.
Did Stiniog in Sept that was ok but rode well within myself for fear of straining it on landing impact.
Doing flattish 'normal' XC rides locally now - only 15ish miles including mincing in the woods.
More strength in leg now but notice on climbs I tend to put more power through right leg than left…there's an imbalance. Hurts for a few days after too.
Don't run before you can walk…so to speak 😉
Got a Jacob's Ladder ride planned w/e 6 Dec - hopefully it'll be ok but we shall see!
I'd be going for the flat boring pedal round the park. You need to be very cautious after an a achilles rupture. I just started off using an exercise bike after I came back from the same thing, you need to minimise the risk of any sort of jarring or uncontrolled dabs.
I'm in a similar boat but am not able to ride for another 4 months after breaking my hip.
Someone lent me a turbo trainer, so I've been spinning on that for about 6 weeks.
Can you use the exercise bike in the hospital physio dept. gym?
Start off slowly, by that I mean 5 minutes at an easy spin and work it up each day a little at a time. Then go around the park on your own bike maybe in a few weeks.
Cheers sounds like a park ride it is and maybe some flat road riding.