Left Knee pain; what's the deal?

[itself]

Thanks for all of the tips. I think it is IBS...the pain in the left side of my left knee is so bad that I can't ride my recumbent or my mtn bike. Hiking is no problem, and I don't have the pain off the bike.

Off to PT on Monday, crap I don't know how long I will be sidelined off the bikes. This sucks.

Lisa

[ummbnb]

Just a note on cleat position. I've been roadbiking for over 20 years (with a seven year break in there) and never had any problems. Last year, as I was getting ready to do my first metric century of the summer my cleat came loose. I put it back and headed off. The ride was 100% rolling hills and by about 25 miles I felt the pressure in my knee. I kept thinking it was fine but by 50 miles I could barely pedal. I finally pulled over and made an adjustment - barely moving the cleat - and when I got back on my bike, the pain was gone completely. Amazing. I did have some pain for a few days after but eventually it went away. The cleat was only like a 16th of an inch off and it stopped me in my tracks!

[itself]

Great suggestion on the cleat position, but with speedplays position doesn't matter as there is a ton of float. With SPDs, cleat position absolutely matters. I've made minor adjustments like you did, and found a world of difference!

Lisa

[redrhodie]

I agree with Catriona. I recently changed my saddle position, and that's totally relieved my IT bad problem. I think my body changed in the 3 years since I got my bike, or my riding position changed. Anyway, while my bike was set up on the trainer, I dropped a plumb line, and sure enough my knee was a little far back. 3 mms forward made the pain go away.

[itself]

Ok, great tip on the seat position...forward or backward? (on my mtn bike)

Now, on my recumbent, what the heck? Not sure here...I can sit the angle up higher and I can move the seat closer/further from the pedals.


??


Lisa

[OakLeaf]

Even with a lot of float, cleat position DOES matter, because when the cleat is off-center, you're still putting a little torque on your knee.

Some people's knees are actually happier without float. My DH and I both fall into that category. He actually ditched his Speedplays and went to Look because the float was irritating his knees. I can ride the grey (4.5°) Look cleats, but I prefer the black ones (0°), and either way they have to be positioned just right or my knees aren't happy.

[itself]

geez, this is going to be interesting to figure out....I will have the guy at PT take a look at my shoes and cleats tomorrow...

Lisa

[Karmabike]

geez, this is going to be interesting to figure out....I will have the guy at PT take a look at my shoes and cleats tomorrow...

Lisa

Answer from Professional bike fitter

While it is hard to say exactly what the issue is without more info.
Here are some ideas

Do you have a supportive footbed in your shoe?
Likely the natural"tilt" of your foot is different from the way your shoe/pedals are holding your foot. This may be causing you to "float" outward against the edge of the pedals range of float causing tension on your body.

The best approach would be to go to a pro bike fitter after your visit with the PT. The PT will have good insight into muscle imbalances and such but will likely not understand cleat, and bike set up.

Feel free to ask specific questions. I will do my best to answer.


Victor
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