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Sudden and unexpected knee pain.

by Chez_worldwide
Tue, Dec 09, 2014 19:18
7

Hi folks- hoping someone can give some advice.

Just over 2 weeks ago I noticed a pain on the inside of my left knee on the ride to work. It came on after a couple of miles (it's 5 miles to work), and was a dull, but noticable pain. As soon as I got off the bike, the pain went. Same thing on the way home. That weekend I set off on a longer ride, and after 10 miles had to turn home.

I can't say that I noticed a definitive 'event', like a pulled muscle, or a partcularly tough climb- it just sort of came on out of the blue. Since then I have experimented, and althought it's definitely bike related (only when I ride- walking is fine) it is the same on both my bikes, which are both over a year old. It's also the same with both sets of shoes, the bikes and cleats both being set as part of a bike fit. I think I can therefore rule out seat height, cleat position etc. Just to clarify- I didn't change any settings and nothing has slipped/ moved etc.

I've had 2 full weeks off now, during which time I've concentrated on core exercises, ITB stretching on the foam roller, and knee strengthening on a balance cushion.

Tonight I got on the rollers after my 2 week break and within 2 miles, the pain was back, the same as before. To say I'm p*ssed off is an understatement.

Further experiments proved it to be worse when pushing a harder gear, and also when in the drops, which is now making me wonder if it's a hamstring problem. Have I pushed too hard, for too long, and now I'm paying the price?

Background- 43 years old- maybe 1/2 a stone off fighting weight, but not too bad- generally very fit. Cycle 150 miles per week, at least 10 miles per day- commuting/ club runs/ indoor. Not suddenly upped the pace/ length/ efforts, as far as I can tell.

Anyone experienced anything similar?

Driving to work is awful, as is paying for parking!

I'd be grateful for any advice. I will be calling the doctor/ sports injury people tomorrow, so would like to narrow this down if possible. Thanks.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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Chez_worldwide | 10 years ago
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..Update... Went to a physio and he has diagnosed Hamstring Tendonitis... which would explain why 2 weeks of my own recovery programme hasn't helped- i simply haven't been actively targetting the tendons... which of course won't heal on their own.

Along with a bit of ultrasound and massage I have some new stretches and strengthening exercises to do, and will be reporting back to him in a week. Hopefully all will be well. He was confident in the diagnosis/ prognosis.

He thinks it has most probably been caused by riding fixed wheel at the track and gently, but repeatedly, pulling up to slow down, when the legs are used to pushing down- similar to footballers pulling their hamstrings when over-stretching or decelerating. Bad technique on my part then- no change there.

Thanks to those who have taken the time to comment.

Avatar
CyclingLocations.com | 10 years ago
0 likes

Only two things have ever given me knee problems - saddle & cleats. Its worth checking them every so often in case something has moved/changed.

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therevokid | 10 years ago
0 likes

physio time .... mine was left side and actually caused by poor firing/strength in
the gluts and hip flexors !

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DanTe | 10 years ago
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Granny + Eggs but you're seatpost hasn't slipped?

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Chez_worldwide replied to DanTe | 10 years ago
0 likes

..It did cross my mind DanTe, but a check of the daily commuter ruled it out. Plus the same thing happens on my number one bike, so I can't see that being the problem.

Also, if the seat was too low surely the most likely result would be pain in the front of the knee, not the back?

I think another bike fit will be coming up though- not really what I was hoping for from santa this year!

Cheers.

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Kadinkski | 10 years ago
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I had something similar this summer - a dull pain in the back right of my right leg that kicked in between 10-15 miles. I'd limp a bit for 30 minutes or so after I got off the bike but then it was absolutely fine. It drove me nuts.

I spent months trying things to fix it myself but it always came back. Eventually I bit the bullet and went to see a sports physio. It turns out it wasn't the knee itself but a tendon at the top of the calf.

I know its unlikely in your case, but in my case it was caused by a seat height that was very slightly too high. I had a proper bike fitting and did the therapy (mostly a variety of stretching) and it was completely fine in about 2 weeks.

I wish I had seen the professionals sooner, so its great that you're giving them a call.

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Chez_worldwide replied to Kadinkski | 10 years ago
0 likes

..Cheers- well I assume that it's not a fit problem given that I've been riding the same bikes for a couple of years (maybe I can convince the wife that it's time for a new one 39 ) but the symptoms sound identical. It's one of those annoying pains that you just know will get worse if ignored.

Despite hating the car commute, I should be thankful that I'm missing the dreadful weather, not a few weeks/ months of sunny summer evenings!

Thanks for your advice.

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