Ankle/achilles pain related to float (cleats)?

[KnottedYet]

Are your orthotics posted for the bike?

Posting is different for biking than it is for walking/running. If your orthotist didn't set these orthotics up specifically for biking, you might want to have them checked. The orthotist should be able to give you posting wedges that you can leave IN THE SHOES if you need to switch the orthotics back and forth from biking to walking.

I have a seperate set for my biking shoes, and thats the only time I use them. The posting wedges are in my shoes, but I've got met pads on the ones for biking (which I don't need for walking and running).

If you haven't seen Andy Pruitt's book (ummm, "complete medical guide for cyclists" or something like that) I highly recommend borrowing a copy from the library. It's a great resource!

Your PT should have given you exercises for the external rotators at the hip joint to help you control the internal rotation you describe. ("clamshells" or "spywalks" sound familiar?) Has your PT seen you on your bike?

My internal rotation problems were magically solved by getting Speedplay Frogs. They are free float, and if i didn't knock off the internal rotation I came unclipped!

[logdiva32]

Yes, there seems to be some debate about the stretching issue. All I know is I was not stretching before running per the new army excercise manual. And I tore my Achilles, the Air Force Surgeon asked if I stretched properly before, I reminded him of the new policy. He was flaburgasted and says tha is terrible and he can't believe PT guys are preaching this. He seems to think it applies to less fit /active people who do not have as much strength to protect joints.
PT should me how to work many of the small muscles in my feet to prevent the tendonitis. So yes if you can revisit the therapist or a Dr. perhaps you can get some good advice.

[kaian]

Unfortunately my place of employment switched to an HMO so I have to go through my primary care doc for everything. It is not likely I will get a referral for PT unless I am in terrible pain. Right now things are under control - not too bad, but I just don't want it to get worse. I've been doing short sessions on the trainer 30-45 min unclipped and slow/moderate pace with easy gears. I've also been doing AT exercises and an ellipitcal 2 times a week. If it starts to get sore again, I may be forced to take a week or two off again. It's so frustrating! I just didn't want this to be a chronic problem, but it looks like it could be. As long as it is good during the outdoor riding season - I will be happy!

[logdiva32]

When you go to bed at night and before you get out of bed. Be sure to reach down and stretch that achilles out. I have even heard of Dr giving people a night time foot brace that holds the foot in a 90 degree angle, while sleeping for 2 weeks. Its harmless and worth a try..