General Cycling Discussion - knee problem - suggestions?

I've got a problem with my left knee - just on the inside of the left knee cap. It's an ongoing problem and I've seen the doctor about it but it doesn't seem to go away. Apparently I tore my Medial Patellar Retinaculum.

If I go on long rides, I really start to feel it - gets really sore but doesn't actually break.

I've done a lot of cycling with the problem but it never actually goes away.

It's frustrating because I intend to do a lot more cycling and it doesn't bode particularly well.

Can anyone out there anatomically/medically minded recommend a magical remedy?

The most likely problem is that the seat is not properly adjusted. You say that the pain is ont he front of the knee (just inside of the knee cap) this usually indicated that the seat is not high enough. I had the same problem before and I gradually raised the seat 1-2mm at a time to dial in the right height, remember though that even 1mm can make a difference.

PS : welcome to the forums.

Try these threads...
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21712&highlight=arnie+baker
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10642&highlight=arnie+baker
http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7158&highlight=arnie+baker

Good luck!

Do a search on "plica". That has been a persistent problem for me, and my pain was on the inside of my kneecap. I have been through one scope so far with some relief. PM if I can answer any questions. I even got pictures of mine hehe.

In addition to the good advice above, another thought is whether you're pushing too hard of a gear when you ride. Have you tried dropping to a slightly lower gear and spinning a faster cadence?

I second what Grendel says! If I push big gears I hurt the same way.

just to make it a little more confusing... I have had constant knee pain just below the knee cap for the last 6 months that I've started riding. Turns out I was spinning to fast, 110 -120 after finally breaking down and getting a 'puter with cadence. Dropped down to 85-95 and did 65 miles over the weekend w/o any pain in the knee.
Hope you get it worked out riding w/pain isn't fun.

Spire, I think you've hit the nail on the head. I'd changed the height of the saddle by several cms just before I started having the pain. I guess I just couldn't believe that such a small change could have such an effect on my knee.

Well, thanks for the help and everyone's suggestions.

Are you using clipless pedals? I began to develop some knee pain when I first started using them, then corrected it by repositioning the cleats on the shoes. Also, there are some clipless pedals available now that give your shoe "float" as you pedal to cut down on knee strain.