supton

I know I've had this problem in the past, but I don't recall how I got past it. Rest and less standing on hills I think, and one time I got a bike fitting. I don't understand the biomechanics of it, but it is what it is. But on the off chance that someone here can recommend something I could do differently... I'll ask.

Problem is my left soleus. Both are very tight normally, but every so often the left one will get painful. Going down stairs is a problem, but it'll hurt on the bike too. I biked "a lot" this week so some amount is overuse, although I think I stood on one too many hills yesterday. I did recently raise the saddle on my bike a bit (5mm) and back a few mm, so as to unload my quads a bit; I switched from SPD's to toe straps also. After a couple days of knee discomfort my legs were doing fine. I didn't have any issues until today; yesterday was a 47 mile ride with some decent time spent climbing (MMR said 2,900ft). I doubt I did myself any favors today (34 miles, 2,100ft, although I avoided standing, used the granny and walked one hill).

One thing I've noticed is that my left foot is trying to shot out of the toe strap, getting the pedal axle closer to my arch; I try to pull back when I notice. Might my ankle be flopping around somehow in this? Or is it just from standing on hills?

No amount of stretching seems to have ever made a change in my soleus tightness. Oh I stretch (because they'd be worse if I didn't) but they are simply awfully tight. I'm not aware of any leg length discrepancies.

hermanchauw

Getting tight after use is normal. Do you do soft tissue work before stretching? If not, do. Works much better than stretching alone.

Another thing is strength. If the muscle is weak it may tighten more than what you expect.

But for a more specific treatment, see a rehab therapist.

supton

I did massage the area last night, post ride. I usually don't stretch before riding, I just warm up on the bike, and periodically stand to stretch the soleus (stand on pedals and drop the heels).

Surprisingly, it's much better today. Good enough that I'm tempted to ride, 'cept it's threatening rain.

Kristine29

I also had something the same
Massage and stretching do help

jbell_64

Get a physical therapist to do a few graston treatments on it. It hurts like heck, but does wonders. And of course, stretching...