RockyMtnMerlin

Well after way too long being cooped up and riding on the trainer, finally got to ride OUTSIDE TWO DAYS IN A ROW. Warm and a bit breezy. Despite putting in over 900 miles on the infernal indoor beast since 1 Jan (including some pretty hard efforts), I seem to have overdone it and now am suffering from "Spring Knee" - hurting quadriceps tendon. Treating with ibuprofen and rest. Hope it heals fast as it looks like we actually may get some extended spring weather soon. I knew better, but couldn't resist pushing it. First time in over 30 years of road cycling. Oh well. Time heals all they say.

oilman_15106

Please describe this Spring Knee thing. Are you talking about IBT or just muscle aches in the thigh? I have been having trouble with cramps in the teardrop muscle of the thigh and attribute it to lack of hill work during the winter, seems to be getting better as time goes on.

Holy cow, 900 miles on a trainer in 3.5 months. You must be nuts.

BSLeVan

Nice way to label this. I too have a "Spring knee". However, mines a bit different. My right knee is always tender when riding in temperatures below about 70 degrees, and it doesn't matter if I'm wearing insulated tights or spinning at 90+ rpms. Hope your rest and Ibuprofen do the trick for you.

RockyMtnMerlin

This is pain where the quadriceps muscle attaches to the top of the patella via the quadriceps tendon. It is not ITB related. Called spring knee because muscle development is ahead of tendon strength for many of us this time of year and it is exacerbated by cold(er) temps. Throw in a bit of climbing or struggling with headwinds and presto - tendinitis.

GT2005

What is IBT or ITB? -GT2005

Old School

Iliotibial band (ITB) -- see diagram above. Been a while since that college anatomy class, eh?

RockyMtnMerlin

BTW - the diagram above shows only part of the parts of the knee. It is a horribly complex set of tied together bits that obviates the term "intelligent design!"

JanMM

Time Wounds All Heels - Nick Lowe.

Not callin' anyone a heel, you understand?

RockyMtnMerlin

jibi

I wish my knees looked anything like that picture. the left knee has had full reconstruction ( way back in 1975) and the right is a total mess, split patella,etc . so when people what is wrong with my knees I say

I only have 2 knee caps, but they are both in the same leg !!!


george

RockyMtnMerlin

jibi

Sorry forgot to say during recon I had had the left patella removed.

Gratuitous Photo opp to see scar on left knee.

bones

I've been getting some pain in that tendon lately myself, usually at the end of a long (for me) ride on flat ground. Temperature doesn't seem to affect it.
Being a relative noob at this, what are the best ways to avoid this, is it dangerous, as in will it possibly develop into an injury? How can I better develop the tendons to keep up with the muscles?

RockyMtnMerlin

In addition to plain old over doing it (too much too fast or pushing a gear that is too big) and temperature, this can also be caused by a poorly fitting bike. Lots of info on the web for self bike fitting and most sites tend to agree that, depending where the pain is, adjusting the seat up or down will help. iI it continues to hurt and you do noting, it may get worse, doubt if it will get any better without some corrective action. Here is an informative site https://www.roadcycling.com/training/kneepain.shtml If there is a local reputable bike fitter, give them a try.

RockyMtnMerlin

Did 10 miles today and no pain tonight. Maybe the rest cured the problem. Sadly the weather is going downhill fast so mostly be riding indoors for the next few days.