MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Sorry, real numpty question I know:
Half way through a ride, was taking it easy on a flat stretch, just putting some power down, had like a popping sensation, then shooting pain in the middle of my calf muscle, weird pain, never had anything like this before?
Anyway best treatment, for what I assume is a calf strain.
Cold ice and rest?
Am I likely to be out of action with it for a while?
RICE.
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. And phone a sports physio today - they won't want to see you for about 3 days though.
Bag of frozen peas on the pain for about 5-10 mins every hour or so is fine.
Thanks Dave, good advice, cheers
Sounds like you may have torn the calf muscle. Defo try to get hold of a sports physio or massage therapit, don't bother with your doc! Oh, and what he said ^^^^ !
Did it feel like someone kicked you in the back of the calf?
I actually thought someone had shot me with a air rifle at first, It was a real pop/twang sensation!
I even looked around to see if I could see someone with a gun! lol
Then the pain/ache started..........
Could just be real bad cramp, which can feel like a muscle strail and will remain sore for a few days, keep stretching, esp during rides if you notice any tightness
Physio wife says go to A&E as it may be a full tear that might need surgery. Quickest way to get referred to ortho surgeon. It may not be a full tear but best to be safe.
Think I would feel a bit of a fraud at the moment going to A&E, but I will take your Wife's advice on board, thanks.
There is apparently reason that you may feel a bit of a fraud going to A&E - bad tears don't hurt that much.
To be honest I would tend agree with smee's wife. If the Achilles tendon goes some people do think they have been shot in the back of the leg, apparently sounds bad too though. It might be nothing might not.
Is there an unusual lumping on the calf?
Alternatively you could always follow the COR principle.
Carry On Regardless.
If you can walk and stand on tip toes i'd be surprised if you've ruptured your achilles,-also you would have struggled to continue riding.
Sit with your legs crossed, ankle of bad leg resting on knee of good leg with bad calf horizontal. Relax the muscles in your leg and with your hand give the fat part of your calf a good squeeze. Your foot should move up and down. If not repeat on other leg and compare. This is a slightly b@stardised version of Honans test for achilles ruptures.
True to my user name it may well just be cramp.
However generally speaking t'internet is a crap place to give meaningful medical advice so see someone if you genuinely are worried.