knees

I thought my knee problems were all weight related, then when I lost weight and worked out regularly for 2 years I thought it was over working them or the cycling. I spent a lot of time just rubbing my knees absently when I was sitting down; protecting them from extreme range of motion; only going up the stairs if absolutely had to. Nothing I did helped, but it kind of came and went and I could never pin it down to one thing.

I finally gave up and went to the doctor. He did xrays. I have osteoarthritis in my knees. What I read is that if you have generalized knee pain like that, it's probably arthritis. Women are more likely to get knee problems. My cushions are worn down on the medial sides of both joints. I'm on a prescription anti-inflammatory (Mobic/meloxicam) once a day, and I like it a lot. Now I can overwork them and only have a little pain. :P I do lots of knee strengthening exercises at the suggestion of the PT who runs my gym. He says I got it from being weak and out of shape for so long.

My knees are never going to get any better, but I can strengthen them and mitigate the effects. Ow, my knees are hurting right now!

Karen

Mimi-

Could you need to tension your Brooks? Just thinking that that could change your fit ever so slightly (but enough to make a difference...). I know mine just caused some serious damage of another form because it had started to break in a bit too much:eek::rolleyes:

CA

I'm not sure what's causing your knee pain because everyone is different but after 13 knee surgeries I took up riding a little over a year ago. Luckily my ortho is also a biker and gave me great advice...keep riding because it strengthens the surrounding muscles which help keep your knees working and be aware of your knees - the instant you feel a ping, twinge or stab drop gears even if it's on the flats. Every day is different for all joints and muscles so what gear you ride in one day or what speed may not be good for another. Oh- and popping two extra strength tylenol before the ride isn't a bad idea either!

Geez, Tuckerville, you sound like me! (that's probably what it is, arthritis.) mild pain relievers do help, but i HATE taking medication, so i generally do not. And yes, I've been known to take advil before a ride (and will on the two big rides I am planning later this month)

CA, yes, it's possible my seat needs tensioning. When Erik saw me last time he tightened it.

I have a doctor's appointment for later this month.

Carol, thanks for the good advice. GEEZ, 13 surgeries!

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

Geez, Tuckerville, you sound like me! (that's probably what it is, arthritis.) mild pain relievers do help, but i HATE taking medication, so i generally do not. And yes, I've been known to take advil before a ride (and will on the two big rides I am planning later this month)

CA, yes, it's possible my seat needs tensioning. When Erik saw me last time he tightened it.

I have a doctor's appointment for later this month.

Carol, thanks for the good advice. GEEZ, 13 surgeries!

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Hey Mimi let us know how you get on at the doctor.
Another tip for those pesky knees is to keep them covered unless its warmer than 70 degrees. I think I got this tip out of Andy Pruitt's book and adding it to all the other stuff about spinning up hills etc it seems to help in managing my knee pain.

Well, I am starting to suspect my saddle does need to be tensioned. (is that a verb?) the last two days I deliberately pushed back on the seat and i had less knee pain. maybe the saddle slumped pushing me too far forward?
I can't find our tensioner wrench, i might have to go to the LBS.

Mimi, what kind of pain are you having? Dull? Sharp? Intermittent?
Any redness, fever, or swelling in the joint?
Any stiffness off the bike?
Does it hurt after doing other activities, like walking?

You may be suffering from osteoarthritis. If that's the case the doctor will generally prescribe an anti-inflammatory (such as ibuprofen), elevating the knee, and applying a cold pack after exercise if there is swelling present. Generally, cycling is still recommended for diseased knees and the patient is usually counseled to exercise as tolerated. Swimming is the other option. :) Your doctor will probably prescribe a set of exercises to do in home as physical therapy or send you to a PT clinic for evaluation and treatment.

If you are having swelling in other joints, such as elbows, fingers, wrists, your doctor may check for auto-immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.

I hope this helps. I've had several knee operations since in my teens and continue to follow recommendations of my ortho to cycle to keep the knee strong and to stabilize the joint.

Sundial, little or no swelling. achy, dull pain. not sharp, but increases with intensity. no redness.
stiff/sore while sitting or cycling up hills specifically, feel wonderful while walking.

no other joints swelling. You are giving me good news. I don't want to have to take anti inflammatories.

thanks for taking the time!

Are you stiff while sitting OFF the bike or are you saying you're stiff while ON the bike, before doing hills?

my job requires me to sit here on a computer all day.and yes, my knees bother me just sitting. It's better if i can straighten them, and my foot stool here helps a little too.
so the answer is BOTH sitting on butt at work and sitting on bike climbing.

What about walking down stairs/hills?

Pain while sitting is a classic sign of patellofemoral issues - pain while descending on foot would reinforce that -

Pain while sitting could just be the generalized pain of osteoarthritis, as well.
Karen

walking down stairs i am fine.
if i try to take 2 steps up the stairs at a time it bothers my knees.

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

walking down stairs i am fine.
if i try to take 2 steps up the stairs at a time it bothers my knees.

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How about when you skip?

Or hop on one leg?

Or play twister? :)

You've been hanging around me way too much :p