A calf muscle knot that hurts from walking but not from bicycling! Calf strain Rehab exercises

 calf stretching vid

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 Soleus is more of the driving force of the calf muscle....

 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/calf-stretches#summary

Stretching your leg out on a footrest short-term can help relax the calf muscle by shortening it slightly, but keeping your feet flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle is generally better for active, neutral support while sitting.

Sitting Posture and the Calf

Foot on the ground: Having your foot flat on the floor keeps your ankle and lower leg in a neutral, stable position.
Leg on a footrest: Raising your leg straight out puts the calf (gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) in a lengthened state if your toes are pointed up, or shortens it if your foot points forward. [1, 2, 3]
Relaxation vs. Strain: Holding a stretched position for too long without support can fatigue the leg, while a neutral seated position avoids placing continuous tension on the Achilles tendon and calf.

How to Relieve Tight Calves While Seated

Change positions: Switch between resting your feet flat and gently moving your ankles.
Seated stretches: Extend your leg and flex your foot back toward your body for 15 to 30 seconds only when you want an intentional stretch, not as a permanent sitting posture.
Ankle pumps: Point and flex your feet up and down a few times an hour to keep blood flowing

Yes, you can have a knot or tight trigger point in your calf muscle that hurts when you walk but does not hurt when you ride a bicycle. [1, 2]

Why Walking Hurts

Walking forces your foot to strike the ground and push off.
This motion requires your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to actively stretch and contract under your full body weight.
Pressure on a tight knot or trigger point during this weight-bearing phase causes pain. [1, 2]

Why Cycling Doesn't Hurt

Cycling is a low-impact activity.
Your feet stay fixed on the pedals, which reduces the heavy stretch-shortening cycle placed on the lower leg.
Pedaling uses a smoother, circular range of motion that may not trigger the specific contraction needed to irritate the localized knot. [1]

How to Find Relief

Gently stretch: Slowly stretch the calf muscle before and after activity.
Massage: Use a foam roller or targeted pressure on the tender spot.
Rest: Give your lower leg time to recover