Cycling is an aerobic exercise that fully engages your legs for pedaling. Leg pain from cycling can be the result of a lack of strength in your muscles, improper form while pedaling, soreness due to a buildup of lactic acid in your muscles or overexertion. For conditions caused by improper form and strength, there are stretching exercises and techniques you can use to reduce and eliminate this pain. For sharp shooting pain you should consult your doctor immediately so she can advise the proper treatment for your specific condition.
Step 1
Cease all forms of exercise and sit with your legs resting up on an ottoman to relieve them from excess pressure.
Step 2
Place an ice pack on the inflamed area to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. If the inflammation persists, you may wish to take anti-inflammatory medication.
Step 3
Bandage the area of your leg where you are experiencing pain to compress it and reduce swelling.
Step 4
Elevate your leg or legs above your heart level using pillows under your heels when you are sleeping; this will help reduce swelling, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Wait until the pain has subsided before resuming your cycling regimen.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are not sure what is causing your pain, identify where in your leg is the pain most prominent. Pain in the shin may be the result of tendon and muscle inflammation and is referred to as a shin splint. If the inflammation is happening in the tendon at the back of your heel, your pedaling may be compromised, causing you to suffer pain from achilles tendinitis. If the pain in your leg occurs mostly in your knee area, you may be cycling with an improper saddle height or misaligned pedals. It is best to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis before engaging in any treatment. Perform a series of tendon stretches before cycling to prevent it from happening again. A simple achilles tendon stretching exercise involves leaning against a wall, keeping your heels grounded on the floor and your knees straight. If you are using cleated shoes that have ribbed soles, they may limit the motion of your feet and can cause you to experience knee pain after cycling. Consider changing them to shoes with a smooth sole.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-inflammatory medication (optional)
- Ice pack
- Pillows
- Compression bandage
