I did not have anything like this. But some people switch to clipless pedals/shoes because of this. And some people use double platform pedals )one side you can clip in, another side is regular pedal).
2013-01-11 11:27:37
8
Commuting-related ankle pain?
Has anyone ever experienced something like this?
About 4 months ago I started noticing pain in my right ankle/foot, which is also the foot I put down when I stop on my bike. The pain happens not when I'm pedaling, but when I twist it slightly while walking or just moving around... which is why I didn't attribute it to cycling initially.
I couldn't figure out what it was for a few months, but recently I had an idea:
In all my time commuting, I've always used toe clips. More recently I realized that when I ride, especially in a business district or a traffic-y area, I bend my foot out of my toe-clip slightly in anticipation of having to stop short and put that foot down. It's become a habit... and it definitely stems from anxiety about getting hit again or not being able to get my feet out of the toe clips if I have to stop short.
Does anyone else have this bad habit? Have you ever started getting pain in the foot/ankle that you put down when you stop?
2013-01-11 05:23:10
I could imagine that happening. I would say you should definitely try riding without any clippage for a while to see if it clears up.
2013-01-11 12:29:32
Clipless pedals keep your feet aligned. 
2013-01-11 15:37:14
@Mikhail: Interesting that you've heard of other people switching to clipless because of similar pain. That reinforces my self-diagnosis that this is my problem (and not something else, like I walk funny or wear bad shoes).
I used clipless pedals and shoes for a winter about 4 years ago, and I liked it from a comfort/functionality standpoint, but I got tired of hauling my work or street shoes around with me. Admittedly, I am enough of a fashionista on and off the bike where I decided to switch back to toe clips so I could wear whatever shoes I wanted.
@edmonds59: Yes, I probably should ditch the clips for a while and just use platforms. I barely get any benefit on hills from using them anyway 'cause I have them set so loose to accommodate my shoe collection. Hah!
2013-01-11 15:57:06
@rachel: as Mikhail mentioned, you can get clipless pedals with a flat platform on one side, so you can use 'em with cycling-specific SPDs or street shoes.
Shimano M324 is one example:
2013-01-11 16:17:07
Even if it turns out that the foot retention is the cause, I have found clips n straps to be so annoying that I am pretty much done with them for good (except on one super old thingy where nothing else seems quite right).
Once you get your problem solved, I highly recommend foot straps like Hold-Fasts or something as an option. I too dislike the concept of "gearing up" for every ride and often want to ride in tennies, dress shoes, or even light boots, and straps do the job.
2013-01-11 16:23:10
http://antranik.org/the-practical-guide-to-casual-and-stylish-looking-clipless-shoes/ -- this URL has been mentioned more than once on this board.
2013-01-11 17:17:54