knee pain, but why?
#1
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knee pain, but why?
I hope this is the right forum for this kinda question. I keep getting knee pain during and after rides (lasting several days). I tried adjusting my shoes for my clipless pedals, but that didn't help. I did a century two weeks ago, on my hardtail, and after only 8 miles or so my left knee started hurting, kinda in the back. I raised my saddle a little and by about mile 50 or so the pain was gone, but the next day squating down was uncomfortable. Yesterday I went out on my road bike and my right knee (right under the cap) started hurting. It seems kinda weird that different knees hurt on different bikes. The pain isn't too bad, it doesn't prevent me from finishing my ride, but I don't want to do any permanent damage to my knees. Oh, one more weird thing, once my knee starts hurting the harder I mash on the pedals, the less the pain. Anyone have any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?
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Somewhere I read that if the knee pain is in front your saddle is too low. If the knee pain is in the back, your saddle is too high.
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There are probably countless causes of knee pain. For me I get it if my saddle is too far forward.
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Most likely saddle height. If you have never had your bike professionally fit to you where they take out the measuring sticks and plumbobs, it is totally worth the investment. I would do it before your next long ride. They will check everything from saddle height to if it's pitched too far forward or whatever. Once it's fitted properly, and if the pain doesn't go away, then it might be an error in your form. If that's the case they may be able to help you there too.
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should I trust a LBS to help with the fitting? and if I get fit on one bike (road), can I use that as a guide to set up my other bike (hardtail)?
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just an update.
I did another century the other day on my road bike. The back of my left leg hurt and the front of my right leg hurt. The only way I can explain it is that my left leg is like 1/8" longer than my right, but I didn't think that would be a big problem...
I did another century the other day on my road bike. The back of my left leg hurt and the front of my right leg hurt. The only way I can explain it is that my left leg is like 1/8" longer than my right, but I didn't think that would be a big problem...
#7
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Originally Posted by Impoliticus
just an update.
The only way I can explain it is that my left leg is like 1/8" longer than my right, but I didn't think that would be a big problem...
The only way I can explain it is that my left leg is like 1/8" longer than my right, but I didn't think that would be a big problem...
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Check out this website--it might help answer some of your question. This guy has a very resourceful pages and links. He's kind of obsessive but he loads up the info.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/pain.html#knees
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/pain.html#knees
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Saddle height, angle, and fore/aft position all affect knee pain. What kind of pedals do you have? How much float do they provide?
What is your usual cadence? Slow cadence and "mashing" on the pedals puts a lot of strain on the knnes.
High cadence (80-100) will save your knees.
For bike setup check www.wrenchscience.com.
What is your usual cadence? Slow cadence and "mashing" on the pedals puts a lot of strain on the knnes.
High cadence (80-100) will save your knees.
For bike setup check www.wrenchscience.com.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#10
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I have performance forte pro road pedals (on the road bike obviously). They have 4deg. lateral float. I do not have a cadence meter on my bike computer (cateye enduro 8) but I've did the 15sec. count and I'm usually around 90rpms.
Rowan, you think an eigth of an inch will really mess things up that much? The whole left side of my body is slightly larger than my right (ie the hands and feet too). I thought this was a common thing. Oh, and you'll notice I refer to one side as bigger than the other rather than one side is smaller. This way the cup is half full
Rowan, you think an eigth of an inch will really mess things up that much? The whole left side of my body is slightly larger than my right (ie the hands and feet too). I thought this was a common thing. Oh, and you'll notice I refer to one side as bigger than the other rather than one side is smaller. This way the cup is half full
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Originally Posted by Rowan
The crux of the problem. You need either orthotics in the shoe of the shorter leg, or as a last resort a shorter crank on the left side. Then user Gardner's simple guide to knee pain and seat height.
What size cranks do you have now and how tall are you (average between your right & left sides ).
-murray
#12
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Originally Posted by Impoliticus
you think an eigth of an inch will really mess things up that much?
You might also seek some advice from a trainer in regard to the asymmetrical development of your body, as you may also be compensating and need to compensate in other places.
FWIW, an associate, a vets racer who's somewhat banal, had x-rays done to determine the differences in his left/right sides. He apparently had some pelvic and leg-length issues and he now rides with the saddle slight but deliberately skewed to the left (or right, I can't remember which). Hasn't done much to improve his performance, but he's more comfortable.
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I'm 5'10" and I think I have 170mm cranks (they have no markings, I think they're made by IronHorse). btw - I've never had any problems in other sports, ie basketball, volleyball and track, but I think I'll look into talking to a trainer and making small adjustments to my sitting position. Dang, 2mm is small.