Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Sharp knee pain on ride today.

Did 32 miles yesterday, was aiming for 40 today (my personal best is 34.7). I made it to the 30 mile mark and my right knee began to have a sharp pain. I've never been particularly athletic, so it's hard for me to accurately describe. It felt buried in the knee and throughout the range of motion. I downshift, thinking I'm just putting too much torque/pressure on it, that doesn't help. I ended up walking off the bike path, dropping into my lowest gear, and lightly pedaling in the direction my wife will be coming to rescue me. No pain pedaling lightly.

I adjusted my seat two days ago, angling the nose too high and suffering the consequences. Today I adjusted it back down to where I previously had it. This is the only change I have made to the bike.

Any thoughts? I'm 5'11" and 230, I'm wondering if I just overdid it since I'm still new and did 30 yesterday.

It might be good to take a day or two off, first thing. You may have indeed done a bit much. Are you riding at a higher cadence? If you are beginning to ride after a longer period of inactivity, you might benefit from spinning in lower gears rather than slowly grinding in higher gears during at least the first few weeks of riding, if not longer. Also, have you had your bike fitted at your LBS? That could help as well. My fitting eliminated my clicking knee cap problem entirely.

Whatever you do, listen to you body and don't force anything.

For me, when I get knee pain, I usually have my seat too high.. You will be amazed at how much lowering a saddle just 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch will impact your body on the bike.. Make adjustments in very small increments.. Get a level and make your saddle level or just slightly up for maximum benefit.

First off, Listen to your body! Despite what you want or do not want to do, slow down or stop completely for a few days. Either stop riding completely and walk, or ride so there is ZERO pain only.

Questions?? Burning, stabbing, or dull pain? Did you feel any type of "tearing" or "popping" sound or sensation"? Is there any swelling? Is there any pain if there is no motion? Is there any pain if there is no weight on it? Is there any pain if you sit on the ground with the leg straight out in front of you? If there any pain if you are sitting on the ground with the knee in a 90 degree angle? Does it "feel tight" Does it feel "loose"?

Please answer each and every one of these questions (here or PM). Lastly, of course, when in doubt, see a DR. I have dealt with knee issues for 30yrs, but am not a DR. But am comfortable suggesting based on your replies if you like.
HTH

Did 32 miles yesterday, was aiming for 40 today (my personal best is 34.7). I made it to the 30 mile mark and my right knee began to have a sharp pain. I've never been particularly athletic, so it's hard for me to accurately describe. It felt buried in the knee and throughout the range of motion. I downshift, thinking I'm just putting too much torque/pressure on it, that doesn't help. I ended up walking off the bike path, dropping into my lowest gear, and lightly pedaling in the direction my wife will be coming to rescue me. No pain pedaling lightly.

I adjusted my seat two days ago, angling the nose too high and suffering the consequences. Today I adjusted it back down to where I previously had it. This is the only change I have made to the bike.

Any thoughts? I'm 5'11" and 230, I'm wondering if I just overdid it since I'm still new and did 30 yesterday.

Happened to my knees when the saddle was to high.

Stabbing pain, no tearing or other noticeable mechanical failure of the joint, no swelling, no pain when walking or stationary, no pain while stretching out straight or bent 90 degrees (or more). Does not feel any looser or tighter than normal.

I have been running a higher cadence, keeping up over 85 and as high as 109 for short intervals. I'll take today off and take it easy tomorrow. Maybe I'll lower the seat 1/4 inch for tomorrow and see what happens. Come to think of it I don't think I ever really got fitted. I guess it really starts to matter when you start really putting mileage on it.

It's weird because it does not hurt at all walking around.

I strongly recommend a fitting. as others here have said, lowering the seat may help. In my fitting, the lowered my seat, as well as moved forward a bit, and changed the position of my cleats. My knee issues, although different than yours, cleared up right away. Your LBS could really help.

From a KNEE perspective only, not from a rider perspective (please note the difference? been 30yrs since I have ridden) - sounds to me as you have simply over-used it in one direction only. Nothing to stress over...

This is only my opinion - please note

Stop doing what creates the pain for a day or three, take a mild anti-inflamatory (like aspirin - one 325mg, once daily X 3 days) do NOT wrap it at all (will cause stiffness if you do) watch for heat, swelling, soreness that spreads, or new pain, AND, tightness! If none of these appear - you're fine and you simply over-extended the joint slightly.

May wish to confirm with other riders as my memory may be a bit foggy here??? Spinning over 90-95 is NOT recommended unless you know what you are doing and have been trained properly and are fitted for it as over-extension becomes a real risk? No offense meant in any way, and I can really be wrong here??! As my memory is like 30yrs old! Plus, my interest was touring - where spinning over 70-80 was for the nuts that liked the little gears...

This happens to me--sharp knee pain, usually right knee--if I start off riding too hard on a colder day. Takes a few days to recover. The lesson for me is to start off easy when it's chilly, but sometimes I forget. I'm going to try some knee warmers and see what happens; normally I ride with shorts and sandals, counting on the riding to keep me warm.

I understand your point on the cadence. I am comfortable a little over 80, my uncle rides A LOT and has been trying to get me to stay over 90 on our rides together. I think as it turns out that my natural cadence between 75-85 is probably best for me.

I'm thinking I just overdid it, I didn't ride yesterday and cannot today so tomorrow's easier run will be my proof.

I'm going to go get fitted I think Friday (payday), and I have an appointment with my physician in 3 weeks - I'll stop riding for a bit and move it up if I feel any more pain after my fitting.

Another suggestion out of thousands,

I believe typical sharp pain comes from Torquing? - especially in Cycling.

For this, the angle of the foot is as important. After some rest and if pain is still there (after adjusting seat per previous post), slightly angle the toe inward (toward the wheel) or outward to see if that help.

I had the same problem about half way through my wednesday ride. I rode through the pain and it came and went. I went for a short ride on thursday and the pain was much worse, almost made me get off and walk.

It made me stop and think about all the planning I've been doing regarding bike upgrades, equipment, etc..

If the engine goes, the vehicle is useless.

I'm going to take some time off now, and hope it goes away.

The same thing happened to me yesterday. I was only able to ride 2 days in the last two weeks until yesterday. I did 93km. yesterday and I think it's just that I've been inactive. I also have a new bike that felt great, so I was going quite a bit faster than normal. In addition I was doing more hills than usual. I think all that added up to just pushing myself a bit much. At 60 yrs. old, I should know better. Anyway, after being stiff last night, my knee feels much better this afternoon.

It seems to happen most often to folks on their right knee. Does anyone know if there's a reason for that?

John

I don't recall where I heard it, but I have had success in seat adjustment by the following:

- pain in the front of the knee - -raise the seat
- pain in the back - lower the seat

Only other time I've had knee pain was back in the days of toe-clips / cleats. The lack of float was problematic -- foot out of alignment. Not likely an issue unless your going old school.