Adjustment of the bicycle:

A shoe plate which is placed too much in a forward position increases the instability of the foot. This results in extra pressure being placed on the Achilles tendons and the calf muscles. The remedy is to adjust the shoe cleat in such a manner that the ball of the foot is situated exactly above the pedal axle. Aching Achilles tendons and calf muscles could also be an indication of the saddle being adjusted too low. This often leads to a cycling position in which the low position of the saddle is compensated for by pushing the heels downward as much as possible in order to increase the distance between saddle and pedals. This will stretch the Achilles heels and calf muscles. The remedy is to increase the height of the saddle; however, this should be done with some prudence because the specific way of revolving the pedals cannot be changed overnight. The saddle should be put in a higher position gradually, so as to get used to the new way of pedaling.

Physical causes:

Burning feet is a well-known phenomenon among cyclists. This is often caused by the rigidity of the attachment between foot and shoe, and between shoe and pedal. The rigidity is absolutely necessary in order for the cycling movement to be as effective as possible. The pressure under the foot, however, is not evenly spread because the pressure is almost completely concentrated under the ball of the foot while, at the same time, the contact of the foot with the rigid shoe sole is not always 100%. One solution is to replace the innersole of the shoe with a sole made of material that is shaped to the sole of the foot, or by using a comfort sole or an orthopedic insole. Tingling and/or numb toes can also result from too rigid a contact between foot and shoe. Cycling shoes need to provide stability to the heel through a firm heel cap and arch support, in order to prevent sagging arches. At the front, cycling shoes should provide sufficient space to allow the toes enough room to move a little. Complaints of aching Achilles tendons can be the result of calf muscles that are too short. Stretching the calf muscles regularly is the appropriate remedy.