wrr1020

So i finally went to the doctor for pain in my left knee. She told me i have runners knee and to take anti-inflammatory to keep the pain down. While this has helped with the pain its something i'd like to get rid of for good. Anyone else have runners knee and have gotten rid of it with some kind of leg strengthening work outs? Should i start taking glucosamine pills? If anyone knows of any way to get rid of this i'd appreciate it. I'm too young to have knee pain.

lazerzxr

I take it you mean chondromalacia?

I also assume you got through riding?

If so then your bike fit is to blame, specifically, I suspect your knee wants to excessively bend in towards the top tube or nearly hits the top tube on the down stroke?

Cycling actually stregthens the knee agains chondromalacia so if cycling has caused it, it due to very poor bike fit. If any of that sounds right then let us know more detail so we can help.

Having said that, I would get a pro bike fit and tell them about your trouble as a starting point, the trouble with that approach is that bike fitters often know nothing about knees so it would be a good idea to find one that does.

lazerzxr

Also, bike fit or not, buy this book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pruitts-Comp.../dp/1931382808
You stand to lose too much to ignor the problem, get it sorted

lazerzxr

Also watch these videos - all 3 parts. Will help you understand assuming runners knee is actually what i think it is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CqtoS0iZvc

meanwhile

Saddle position and pedal set-up (including a pedal with inadequate float) are probably the major candidates for blame:

https://www.bottombracket.co.uk/cycling-sore-knees.html

And the chapter on knees in this book is supposed to be very good:

https://www.amazon.com/Pruitts-Comple.../dp/1931382808

Mose

If the ortho recommends it, I'd also say getting a PT eval, especially from one with experience in overuse sports related issue, could be of big help. A bike fit is a great idea, but the best fit in the world can't address muscle imbalances or tight muscles or tissues.

wrr1020

I've actually had the pains since last summer but its an off and on thing. I haven't had it since late summer last year and when i was on vacation in January it started up again. Vacation was three weeks long and i didn't ride a single bike in that time frame. I had a bike fit scheduled two days after i got back from vacation, but this was for a bike i had just bought before i left. Before that i was riding my old bike which had a free "15 minute fitment" when i purchased the bike. I bought a new saddle, pedals etc after the bike was purchased so whatever fit was made got changed since i messed with the bike myself.

The new fitment on my new bike is excellent and i've been pain free since i've had it but every so often i'll get pain when i get up from sitting down, etc.

lazerzxr

Get the book I suggested above, it has some good stretches and exercises that may help. Also see a PT to help with other issues you may have, it doesnt sound like this is caused by cycling but maybe aggrivated by it. On line medical help is never going to fix you but with a PT and the above book you have a good chance. One thing though, dont ignor it, that is the kind of problem that wont fix itself and can actually become quite serious if you try and just ride through the pain

sfrider 

Reduced volume, one ibuprofen before rides or bed, and wedges if needed to straighten out your knees. Knees should be aligned between hip and foot, to minimize sideways pressure. A wedge under the cleat angles the entire foot; a wedge under the insole angles the forefoot. Don't get out of the saddle on hills more than you have to for a while, and don't sprint or do intervals. Try to avoid steep hills at low cadence even if seated.

I personally think glucoseamine is great - works for me... but that's probably age related. I'd recommend it simply because it can't possibly hurt and if you get an ounce of benefit, then why not.