patellofemoral syndrome pain

[OakLeaf]

Crankarm length for me was just, 22 years ago I read somewhere that I should have 165s, so when I built up my race bike, that's what I put on. The difference from the 170s on my touring bike was obvious right away, and I never had another cycling-related knee flareup.

It has as much to do with your tibia/femur ratio (which can't be measured very accurately without an X-ray) as it does with the length of your whole leg, but a good fitter should check the angle of your knee at the top and the bottom of your pedal stroke. Set the seat height based on the angle at the bottom, then choose cranks short enough that your knees aren't excessively flexed at the top.

An added bonus is that it's much easier to spin smoothly with shorter cranks.

My knees feel it right away when my cleats are off by even a little bit, so that's one thing I don't need a fitter for. I wonder, if you feel your cleats are too far forward though, if the problem isn't actually that your seat is too far forward? Unless you have VERY long toes (and mine are pretty darn long), there should be enough adjustment to let you get the cleat under the ball of your foot. But maybe your knee is actually forward of the pedal spindle (which would also cause excessive flexion), and that's what you're feeling?

[Onix]

An added bonus is that it's much easier to spin smoothly with shorter cranks.

My knees feel it right away when my cleats are off by even a little bit, so that's one thing I don't need a fitter for. I wonder, if you feel your cleats are too far forward though, if the problem isn't actually that your seat is too far forward? Unless you have VERY long toes (and mine are pretty darn long), there should be enough adjustment to let you get the cleat under the ball of your foot. But maybe your knee is actually forward of the pedal spindle (which would also cause excessive flexion), and that's what you're feeling?

Interesting about the crank length. I am going to have to look into all of this further.
I think that my urge to move my cleats back is that the balls of my feet are very sensitive. I doubt my seat is too far forward. I actually think that I may need it to be more far forward. My seat post is laid back, and I feel like I need a straight one for better fitting (and was told that by fitter). Something isn't quite right though. I think I need to get a new seat post and then get re-fitted!

Thank you for writing back again!

[Cataboo]

If you have knees issues... shorter cranks will help.

If you want to work on smoothing out your pedal stroke... rollers will also help.

[NadiaMac]

which brace are you using (brand, model). I'm looking for a brace to help with similar issues. thx for input

[Onix]

which brace are you using (brand, model). I'm looking for a brace to help with similar issues. thx for input

Good question! I will have to look when I get home! I think it is so work/sweated in that the tag inside has worn off! I will let you know!

It is a "J Brace" patella stabilizer in genre.

[Jolt]

As far as working on your posture, you might want to check out the book 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back by Esther Gokhale--it's all about good posture (the author did research in a bunch of different countries where people don't have the back problems etc. that we have here) and can help with more than just back pain. It doesn't address cycling but does address everyday posture when sitting, standing, walking and even sleeping.

[OakLeaf]

That sounds so similar to Jolie Bookspan!

I haven't read her book, but I really enjoy her blog.

[Onix]

Good question! I will have to look when I get home! I think it is so work/sweated in that the tag inside has worn off! I will let you know!

It is a "J Brace" patella stabilizer in genre.

Yep. I have sweat off the label. No idea on brand....sorry!





Interesting about the posture book... thanks for the reference.

[NadiaMac]

no worries!

can you wear this brace while exercising (eg, riding)? Or is it for walking/activities of daily living? Have you tried anything that helps when you are riding? Thx for info