Having tested almost everything that could be wrong with my calves a process of elimination left the doctors convinced that compartment syndrome was the problem. Muscles are surrounded by a sheet like thing called fascia and when the muscles grow too fast the fascia doesn’t stretch with them causing pressure to build up in the muscle compartment, reducing blood flow and ultimately preventing the muscle from working properly. All the symptoms made sense but to confirm it they had to test the pressure in my muscles. The test is pretty nasty so took a long time to convince them to do it and for the first time I really hoped they didn’t find something – the only cure is an operation, which I was told would be highly un-recommended due to the long term side effects so I’ve actually spent the last few months trying to accept that I might never be able to ride properly again.
For the test they stuck giant needles 3cm into both calf muscles and injected some fluid to measure the pressure. Then I had to do some flat out intervals on a stationary bike in 35°C heat until my calves got tight and sore (painful in itself when you haven’t trained for 9 months!). And finally to take the pain further then stuck the needles in again to find out the change in pressure, this time jabbing them around a few times to be sure they had the right spot. Thank god the pressure wasn’t enough for it to be compartment syndrome but I was left hobbling around for a few days with super bruised calf muscles!
bandaged up after the pressure test
Next step – a visit to Holywell Healthcare in Sheffield while I was over in the UK. They took a far more active and bike specific approach, looking at the bio-mechanics of my pedaling technique on a Wattbike and body positioning whilst standing. The conclusion is that foot positioning could be causing the problem. Too much movement in the joints and sloping arch means that the calves will be working more that they should be to stabilize the feet both on the bike and for general movement. I now have some insoles on the way that are specially molded to my feet and physio exercises to help improve the positioning. Riding bikes is allowable but I have to keep rides short and sharp (curtailing my adventures a bit but the prospect of a cure makes me disciplined). It’s a relief to feel I can do something positive about the situation so fingers crossed after a bit of time I will notice an effect. If it wasn’t happening to me it would be fascinating stuff!