achilles tendonitis in cyclists?
I have been riding about five days a week 20-30 miles on a felt s32 triathlon bike. I decided to sell it and get a specialized allez elite to concentrate on more hill riding. I have had the bike for about 2 weeks and I have ridden it about 4 times. I just found out that I have achilles tedonitis and I have found and heard mixed info on what I should do next. Can I continue to cycle or should I stop completely. Also I know that the bike shop fit my seat a litte on the high side because of past knee issues and IT band tightness. I have found online that achilles tendonitis occurs in cyclists when the seat is too low. However my seat is on the high side. I am considering taking the bike back and having them adjust it for me more. Does anyone know what I should try adjusting first, what steps I take to rehab my leg, and how long it will take?
Seat too low or too high?
Actually, AT tends to occur in cycling when you toe pedal (see separate thread) and can also be caused when your saddle is too high (causes you to toe pedal -- ahhhh).
If you've got knee and IT band issues, the bike shop shouldn't have put your saddle to high -- this will especially cause the IT band to flare up. I have to question the wisdom of your bike fitter for making a choice like that.
Neither too high or too low is good. Make like Goldilocks, get yourself back to the shop, and ask them to make it just right.