Knee pain from cycling
(3 discussions)
I have been cycling everywhere for years and about 3 months ago I bought SPD pedals and shoes.
Over the past couple of weeks I have experienced an ache in my left knee which is on the outside of the kneecap going round to the bottom of the knee cap.
I have tried cycling at a higher cadence to relieve the burden and also tightening the cleat on the shoe to reduce any float. I don’t think that my saddle is too high.
Any suggestions?
Paul, London
3 comments
peterslovo
Paul –
What type of pedals did you purchase? I had knee problems with my regular SPDs until I switched over to BeBop pedals, which have an incredible 20 deg. of float. I found them to not be able to stand up to my type of riding, and have been running TIME ATCAC pedals, which also have superior float compared with other traditional SPD pedals. Other SPDs keep your knee with only 3-5 deg, if that, of float, which can place unnecessary pressure on your knee during pedaling. I suggest evaluating the pedals you have and suggest looking at more float. They take some getting used to, but say good bye to knee pain!
BEst,
Pete
Muscledawg
Hi Paul,
If you do have ITBS from cycling you will find that the knee is most painful between 30 and 60 degrees of flexion at the knee and/or that walking DOWN stairs is painful.
If your ITBS is from cycling it is likely that your seat is too low forcing your knees to bow out (AKA tricycle knees). Have someone ride behind you and toward you to see that your knees are “toed-in” toward the frame slightly. Check that your pedals are adjusted so that your toes point in toward the frame about 5 degrees.
Follow Leeloo’s advice about initial treatment and if it doesnt improve in a few days, seek a sports medical opinion.
Hope that helps,
Muscledawg.
Leeloo
Hi there –
I suggest you investigate iliotibial band friction syndrome (also known as runner’s knee or ITB FS) as a possible culprit. It can manifest differently in different people. Cyclists are definitely not immune from this problem. Rats.
Your SPD pedals could possibly be the source of your problems. They are rigid – plus they are a new addition to your cycling, therefore suspect. I would suggest speedplay pedals – i.e. something with a good deal of float – so your feet can find their “happiest” position on the pedals. If you are going to stick with the SPDs, make sure they are aligned properly and not “tweaking” your foot in or out, causing new pedaling biomechanics.
You could also check into your bike fit – seat height is not the only fit component that can lead to problems. For example, your fore/aft seat position could be causing your knees to be out of plumb.
Try riding easily for 10 minutes, then getting off to stretch before the rest of your ride and higher intensity riding.
Be sure to ice the area for 10 minutes after riding and take anti-inflammatories.
I guess, to start, I would take a good hard look at the SPD pedals. Check out ITB at this site.
Good luck. Leeloo