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Ah that’s really kind of you, I’d definitely take you up on it as a test if I had road shoes but not to worry. I’ve bought one of those silly 20mm pedal extenders just to test the theory that it is the Q factor/stance width of that bike that caused the flare up, not intending to ride with it permanently. In a slightly less extreme way to bandage the issue I’ve bought a couple pedal washers to put on my fixie and bring the Q factor out a little more closer to what my gravel bike is (neither bike has caused me pain in the knee before, but I’m always aware of the slightly awkward way my right leg pedals on them)
Also going to test an angled cleat wedge and insole to try support my arch and stop my weight transfer going solely from the heel -> outer edge of foot -> to the middle of my toes. If anyone has any experience of a similar issue I’d love to hear how you tried to solve it - or if it’s even possible to convince your muscles/ligaments/brain to go ‘back to normal’
ojwithbits-
I have right foot problems caused by a bad medial malleolus break that was repaired with screws, never felt right after, got it reviewed 3 years later and yurned out 1 of the screws was not flush and rubbed a hole all the way through my posterior tibial tendon, stretching 6cm. This tendon basically holds your foot arch up from your calf and is one of the biggest contributors for people with feet problems radiating to the rest of the leg. I get paid in my knee from this problem myself.
I did a hospital based rehab program that lasted 8 weeks initially after the break and fix. I have subsequently had a few other physio programs for this problem. I have also broken my leg 4 times, so have done a fair bit of getting back on my feet. Definitely see your gp for diagnosis and request for physio. Most of the things they will advise you will be strengthening and stretching, especially single leg exercises, where it is important to do both legs. I can write some ones that I found best bang for your buck if you want, depends where it hurts and where is swollen.
On the bike I found insoles and really stiff shoes really useful. I balanced this with lateral positioning of spd cleats on my shoes. The softer the shoes the more you collapse into the weaker areas of your leg to compress power off as you push. I would be very careful with angled cleats as it may seem like you want to ease the muscle off where it feels weak but what you need is a solid level platform with support to give the rest of your leg its optimum biomechanic leverage. All on bike optimisation won't be as useful without off bike work.
Like all advice for things, change one thing at a time, give it a bit of time to evaluate. Don't over do it.
Thankshallots
Hey, can't be of much help with recommending a fit/physio but I do have a pair of Ultegra +4mm spd-sl pedals if you would like to try and see if they work for you? If they help I'm happy for you to keep them. Putting the Q factor out a few millimeters has helped me in the past with some knee pain (although has been more of a bandage than a cure). Even just to get back riding once you have recovered.
Shoot me a pm if you are interested, otherwise, I hope you're back riding soon and you get it figured out!