Left Knee pain; what's the deal?

[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
http://Bicyclelab.com
http://twitter.com/bicyclelab
youtube channel: bicyclelab
Shoe fitting video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8X1sfbQSGA

[azfiddle]

I just started having pain in my left knee, so this discussion has been timely- it appeared quite suddenly- after finishing a short, but hard climb for the second day in a row. It was hurting just on the bike, especially on climbs- this morning there is just the faintest sensation there...I've had the bike since August, gradually increased my mileage and effort and have ridden about 2800 miles with absolutely no discomfort up until now. (Should say, I'm 53....)

The description of IT band symptoms sound very close to what's happening (recognizing the perils and pitfalls of self-diagnosis here...I don't want to just assume that's the problem)

My question- what is the best direction to go next? Possible options:

1. Just take a break from the bike, rest, ibuprofen
2. Bike fit- to check seat position, cleats etc.
3. Go to my regular doctor for opinion or referral
4. Go straight to an orthopedic doctor or sports med. specialist who knows about cycling?
5. Go to a chiropractor with cycling specific knowledge
6. Other?

I was already scheduled with my favorite LMT for a deep tissue massage- and she will certainly have feedback on what she notices.

Thanks in advance
Sharon