Originally Posted by
Fullcount
Fifty-three and loving cycling once again. Been trying to average 100 miles per month as I start back with this activity after a long time away. Been at it for about five months now after a 30 year absence. Now I am starting to experience knee pain. Been backpacking for past five years and never experienced it like this. Backpacking had been tough on the ankles with only minor discomfort to the knees.
I get out every other day for about 10 miles with the last few rides feeling pretty good with the legs and stamina. My question, is this normal for the knees as they too strengthen? I have been taking an antibiotic, cephalexin 500 mg for the past week after some dental work. Wondered if the knee thing could be a side effect.
I know a lot of you would be saying 100 miles a month??? That is what you do in a weekend. I too would love to get there also, but I am trying to take it steady. Just do not want to get sidelined by doing something the old knees are not used to. What has been the norm for those of you when getting back into shape?
Hey, I'm no Doc, and I'm relatively new to cycling. So, my experience is only personal and anecdotal. Don't take it as gospel or all encompassing.
I'm 51 and had my left knee replaced in '05, and my right knee scoped a month later. In '07 I cycled and got into enough shape to start getting in shape and my discount store bike went kaput.
I stupidly quit cycling, ballooned to somewhere around 300 pounds, with a 42" plus waist. I say plus because I could no longer dry my pants and fit into them. I refused to buy 44" waist.
Anyway, last year I started cycling again and initially was doing around 100 miles per week.
Last week I did 314. Obviously, along with the increase in mileage I've dropped weight and pants size.
I mention all of this background info, only to really say this:
When I first started back, last year, I noticed some knee pain in very short distances. As my fitness improved the knee pain would go away.
Over the course of the year and increased distances, I've had to do various stretching exercises to stretch different parts of my body more, at different times. Sometimes hams, sometimes quads, sometimes neck and back.
I'd point out my flexability has always been excellent, but, I still had to engage in vigorous stretching.
As to knee pain, as I increase distance, it will come back a bit then go away.
I'm no star athlete, I'm not really in that great of shape, but I take it easy, look for advice and try to increase distance somewhat slowly.
In your case I'm a bit afraid to give too much advice, as I tend to find ways to work a comfortable middle ground in regards to pain. I've yet to allow a minor injury to get major, I've tried to follow good practices, but I've also been fairly able to push my own personal limits and limitations.
Good luck. I had a tough time starting, don't want to quit now, and hope to avoid injury and illness.