My Legs Hurt When Cycling

If you meet with your doctor and tell her your leg hurts from cycling, she's going to need a few more details before she can make a diagnosis. Shin splints, improper posture and a variety of medical conditions can all cause leg pain -- or it could just be a muscle cramp. If the pain persists, see your doctor.

Shin Splints

Pain on either side of your leg bone during cycling could be a sign of shin splints, according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Caused by inflammation of muscles or tendons, shin splints can result from a collapsing arch of the foot. To prevent this condition, use corrective orthoses to combat a falling arch, and include stretching in your exercise routine.

Seat and Position

To prevent pain during a bike ride, practice correct posture, advises cycling expert Sheldon Brown of Harris Cyclery. Arch your back, bend your elbows slightly and push your shoulders forward. If your bike saddle is too wide or excessively cushioned, riding in hot weather may cause painful chafing on your inner thighs. To prevent chafing, use a traditional leather saddle and wear cycling shorts, suggests Brown.

Lactic Acid

During an intense exercise session, your muscles may use up the available oxygen and switch to anaerobic exercise, a method of producing energy without using oxygen, explains Stephen Roth in the January 2006 issue of "Scientific American." This process creates lactate, or lactic acid, which raises the acidity of your active muscles and produces a burning sensation. This pain may signify a need to reduce your level of exertion in order to prevent permanent damage. When you slow down, your body reverts to aerobic exercise and the lactic acid breaks down and disappears.

Cramps

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, muscle cramps, or charley horses, can cause leg pain. Dehydration and low levels of electrolytes can cause cramps, as can muscle fatigue caused by too much exercise. Cycling in hot or humid conditions can cause heat cramps in your legs, which are an early sign of heat exhaustion. To combat painful muscle spasms caused by heat, move out of the sun, drink water and eat a snack that contains salt, advises Rice University.

Other Causes

If pain in your legs is accompanied by numbness, you may suffer from acute compartment syndrome, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Injuries such as a torn or overstretched muscle can also cause leg pain.