"draining fluid from your legs"

[j.nurse63]

Lactic acid buildup is a myth.

The length of the workout is pretty irrelevant to the issue of edema. It really depends on how hard you were working. The more strength involved (sprint intervals, lots of climbing, big gear tempo rides, etc.), the more likely there will be some feeling of leg swelling and fluid retention, at least in my experience, but it can also happen whenever my legs get really fatigued, when the muscles are tight and I'm not diligent about massage, or when I'm overtraining.

Self-massage (no rolling pin necessary) helps a lot, especially with cooling muscle rubs. Even better, get a professional massage to really get at the harder to reach hams and glutes.

I have been concerned for the last week on th amount of edema/tightness I have been feeling in my legs. Last Sunday I rode 64 miles...my furthest ride with hills. It was a workout for me. This week I wasn't sore...but swollen. I sometimes feel tightness/swelling in my calves but it doesn't generally run to the ankles. So should I think this might be a normal response to a hard work out?
Jean

[OakLeaf]

How's your electrolyte balance? Was it warm during your ride, did you sweat a lot and did you replace electrolytes? (Excluding serious conditions which I hope your doctors have ruled out!) that's the first thing I think of when I get edema.

[katluvr]

This discussion thread intrigues me....in the 5 years of cycling I don't think I have ever had leg swelling. I have heard not to weight right after a hard workout that your muscles retain fluid--but I have never felt tightness related to fluid or noted edema.
So am I not working out hard enough? Or is this a very individual thing?
Just intrigued that this thread had a new post.

[j.nurse63]

How's your electrolyte balance? Was it warm during your ride, did you sweat a lot and did you replace electrolytes? (Excluding serious conditions which I hope your doctors have ruled out!) that's the first thing I think of when I get edema.

yes, it was hot that day. I will admit that I may have not replaced electrolytes as I should have. Something I should pay more attention to! Thanks Oak