knee pain

[doc]

I am a long time runner. I took up road cycling in July and I love it. Unfortunately I developed knee pain after a metric century 2 weeks ago. No swelling, no "pop" just aching. It doesn't really hurt unless I'm riding or spinning. Running is still fine. I've avoided riding for 2 weeks now but I can still feel the "full" feeling in my knee. I was told by one guy it could be the spd and I should switch to look pedals. I definitely am keeping my legs straight. No in or outward movement. HELP. I don't want my riding career to be over so quickly. Especially since I just bought a beautiful new WSD bike. (Trek)

[Trek420]

hi doc,

there are a series of good tips here http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1365&highlight=knee+pain

...a good place to start. congrats on the new bike, have you had it fit? what type of pedals? :rolleyes:

[doc]

I've got shimano spd pedals.
The seat height is good. I had the bike professionally fit when I bought it. They were really careful so I'm not thinking its that. The pain is mostly on the outer side of my knee, a little in front. Maybe just too much too soon, but I don't want to be sidelined.

[Irulan]

outside of the knee? could possibly be over tight illiotiblial band pain.
I am not a DR. but I kad knee pain on the outside of my knees for years, the final and correct diagnosis for me was overtight IT band syndrome, I do stretches for it now.
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2000/02_00/fredericson.htm

[doc]

Thanks so much. I think that Iliotibial band syndrome sounds very likely. The article was great, but figuring out those stretches from pictures is a little tricky. I'll get in person stretch advice and give it a try.

[mandigreene]

I don't know too much about the intricacies of what causes knee pains while on the bike but here's my two beans about the subject...I had knee problems as well and I was told to work on my cadence (less pressure on my knees) they only hurt when I'm on my bike (so maybe it is the specific motion?) Anyhow hope it all works out for you :)

[doc]

I agree. I have stopped mashing (which is something I like to do) and tried to increase pedal speed instead. I also stopped running-I was doind 6 miles 2-3 times per week. That seems to have helped but makes me sad. Oh well, I have to pick my sport and apparently can't have both. Thanks for your input.

[Pink Kona]

Hi Doc,

As a 4 time knee surgery lucky participant that I am, I would love to bestow you with some advice. See a specialist. I know the wonderful people at the local bike shop probably did a really good job on fitting you to your bike... but they could have missed a few things. Such as - do you have the correct length of crank shaft? Does your frame fit you? Is your frame geometry suited for your body type? How is the length of your stem in relationship to the bikes geometry? Do you have the right shoes and pedals with enough float for you? Etc. etc.

Seeing a specialist may sound like a big $$ committment - but if you truly are interested in a long term relationship with cycling... it will most certainly be worth it.

I know of a guy in Seattle - Eric Moen. He's good. Real good. He may be a good resource for you in finding someone in your area. He can be contacted through ProSports club in Seattle.

One last piece of advice - with anything medical try to seek as many opinions as you can.

I hope that helps and gets you in the right direction of little knee pain!