Popliteus Pain

[bluebug32]

I thought I'd posted but when it didn't show up I re-wrote it, apologies for that.

Can't quit see that the calf strain is directly related to the popliteal issue, but the area behind the knee is a complex area. Not only do the soleus, plantaris and popliteus cross there, but its the end point for biceps femoris. Keep working with your PT and/or massage person.

When you say "pain at 5 and 7c'clock" are you speaking as if I am standing on your driveside? That would mean pain most intense on the downstroke. just making sure I understand.

not having seen your fit it's hard to say, but in conjunction with the seat height check, ask your fitter about reducing the amount of flexion or "ankling" during your pedal stroke. This will keep the gastroc/soleus from activating as much.

just to make sure that the swelling you describe is moderate, and not possibly a Bakers' cyst?

In terms of Bakers' cyst, it really just feels like a sore muscle. My husband is a chiro and my friend is a PT. Both have palpated it, and said the popliteus felt a little inflamed. Unfortunately my PT friend was just visiting, so I won't be able to work with her on this. Any recommended exercises/treatments?

Yes, the downstroke hurts the most, especially the brief pulling up motion at the end of the pedal stroke.

In terms of cleat position, I plan to move them back today before I try to ride, but I do have float in my Look cleats. Could this have something to do with possible ankling? I've had my bike fit checked several times and he set up my cleats then.

Thank you, Anne

[Abarnes]

I strained my gastroc awhile back and it took a really REALLY long time to heal, but it didn't affect my cycling. My thinking about the cleat is that the popliteus muscle is also related to lateral stability of the knee - too much float may be allowing for aggravation of the muscle/ligment.

My assertion is that 90% of riders need no float whatsoever, IF the feet and shoes have been properly assessed, on TOP of a regular fitting. Varus/valgus measurement, arch supports and a RAD adjustment or laser level assessment of the leg tracking are components of 'foot' fitting. I would not say that the foot/leg is ever totally "locked" into position with a no-float cleat (black color, in the case of Look) but it's in the correct position for your natural range of motion, per accurate measurement of the feet and observation of the leg movement. Toe 'in' and 'out' most directly relates to knee rotation in the pedal stroke and is addressed in the RAD. Fore and aft alignment is primarily for best support of the foot as a lever inside a rigid cycling shoe. Normally this alignment alleviates toe numbness etc but can also be use to alleviate knee issues.

When we speak of ankling, it's the amount of 'toe up' and 'toe down' in the pedal stroke - some of which is natural. Obviously your foot needs to rotate in the pedal stroke, but if we move the fulcrum point (pedal spindle) further back towards the heel, we lessen the plantar/dorsi flexion of the foot - which in turn lessens the activation of muscles of the lower leg that effect this flexion. Theses muscles are - you guessed it - gastroc, soleus, plantaris, etc. All of which cross in the area of the popliteus.
Hope this makes sense?

In terms of Bakers' cyst, it really just feels like a sore muscle. My husband is a chiro and my friend is a PT. Both have palpated it, and said the popliteus felt a little inflamed. Unfortunately my PT friend was just visiting, so I won't be able to work with her on this. Any recommended exercises/treatments?

Yes, the downstroke hurts the most, especially the brief pulling up motion at the end of the pedal stroke.

In terms of cleat position, I plan to move them back today before I try to ride, but I do have float in my Look cleats. Could this have something to do with possible ankling? I've had my bike fit checked several times and he set up my cleats then.

Thank you, Anne