Road Cycling - Strange knee problem

Just recently I seemed to have developed a strange knee injury....(I say strange because the issue is only present when I pedal and stops if I do not pedal).

The problem is that a dull ache (not really a pain) starts just above the knee cap after about 10 minutes of riding. It then spreads to the knee cap. For the rest of the ride (usually 45 miles) it does not get any worse. It does not lessen or increase whether I spin or grind. It is constant if I pedal.

A knee band, just below the knee cap, pressing on the nerve, does seem to help a little.

As soon as I stop riding the ache stops. I can still feel there is something going on, when not riding, but it is quite subdued.

Has anyone ever had this before and if so, how did you deal with it.

I had a simliar pain that would start after about 30 minutes of riding, it was a dull pain on the front of the knee. If I stopped riding, the pain went away.

Have you had your bike fitted? I fixed my problem by moving the seat up and back a few millimeters.

This is likely pain from patellofemoral dysfunction.

http://www.aapsm.org/patellofemoraldys.html

One of my friends had excruciating pain in his knee when cycling, he would have to ice it up and limp for a few days. I suggested the bike fitting, but it was OK. Then I suggested he take Glucosamine Chondroitin. He blew it off and went to a doctor who suggested he needed surgery right away. He went for a second opinion to a specialist and he said take Glucosamine Chondroitin, give it rest and time to heal. I didn't say "I told you so.", but I wanted to. ;)

One of my friends had excruciating pain in his knee when cycling, he would have to ice it up and limp for a few days. I suggested the bike fitting, but it was OK. Then I suggested he take Glucosamine Chondroitin. He blew it off and went to a doctor who suggested he needed surgery right away. He went for a second opinion to a specialist and he said take Glucosamine Chondroitin, give it rest and time to heal. I didn't say "I told you so.", but I wanted to. ;)

How long does it take for that stuff to start making a difference? I'm having knee issues too, and I just want to know how long I'll have to wait before it starts to feel better.

Thanks.
I will try the adjustment and look into the other suggestions.
Will let you all know

I believe it will take about a week to notice. I asked another person here at work who is taking it, he said he noticed a difference in a week. I would make sure you buy from a supplier of quality supplements as they would be more effective. The chemist here at work only buys from Swanson (swansonvitamins.com). I started buying from them and I was amazed at the prices and the quality. (No, I don't work there, just a consumer.) :) It may be worth a try. I am a big supporter of using cold therapy. I use those gel ice packs that can be reused. Also, if you have any Aleve or Ibuprophen they will reduce any imflammation.

One thing I forgot....about two years ago I was having shoulder pain. For 9-10 months I tried cold, hot, physical theraphy and streching. I would take ibprofin before riding. Nothing helped.

Finally went to an orthopedist who took and xray and told me two interesting things...
1. I had a deformity in my neck that was causing the shoulder pain. It would never go away completely.
2. MOST IMPORTANT! "The shoulder is inflammed. It will not feel better as long as it is inflamed. If you want it to get better it needs to be NOT inflammed long enough to heal. Take 600 mg of ibprofin 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days! That should give the shoulder enough time to begin to mend. Then cut back to 3 times a day for a week, then twice a day, then once a day....then as needed."

The pain improved (depending on the day 95-100%) after the above.

He also gave me excercises to due based on my specific case.

================
So, I am trying the ibprofin route with the knee.
I already take Glucosamine Chondroitin, but can safely take more.
I had stopped regular stretching exercises, but started them again.
I moved my bike seat back a few millimeters.
I left the height as is, for now.
I also will wear my knee band (the kind that goes right below the knee).
Finally, I wrote to Lance asking if we could exchange legs.

All this, just to be able to ride a bike? We must be crazy people.

Something should work.

Follow up on my knee.
Rode Saturday...knee was somewhat better.
Rode Sunday...knee was markedly better.

Still wearing the knee band...but something is working!
Thanks for all the input.

Glad to hear that the knee is doing better. Good Luck!

Follow up on my knee.
Rode Saturday...knee was somewhat better.
Rode Sunday...knee was markedly better.

Still wearing the knee band...but something is working!
Thanks for all the input.

Any idea what you think helped the most? Some of us are still figuring out how to make things better!