Knee pain after sportive

triggmiester

Just wondering if any of you guys can help

I did my first sportive on Sunday - the 51 mile magnificat - which included 3 hills.

Now I cycle to work regularly (25 miles round trip - approx. 3 times per week) and havent suffered anything before. But when I finished on Sunday the outside of my right knee was killing me and I was struggling putting any weight on it, this carried on all through Monday until about 7pm when it felt better. I have cycled in this morning and got to about 10 miles and then pain started again.
I dont think it is the position of my cleats, saddle height etc because I have had any problems before. When I stand and pedal I can't feel any discomfort.

Is it due to the fact I was putting a lot of pressure through my legs up the hills, bearing in mind I didnt do any hill reps in preparation.

Walking on the flat at work is ok, but when I tackle the stairs, I get lots of pain.

Any ideas/experiences gratefully received.

sungod

might be overuse

but i wouldn't rule out a bike/shoe/cleat fit issue, it's when you are going hardest that any problems with fit are more likely to cause trouble (i found this out the hard way)

there's a guide here to varous types/causes of knee pain...

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cyber ... tm#lateral

in general, take an anti inflammatory

take things easy for a week, avoid any stress on it

if it persists/worsens, see doctor

Monty Dog

Medial-lateral (outside) knee pain is typically a consequence of foot/cleat/ shoe alignment, and perhaps in your case a touch of over-doing it. As suggested, take some anti-inflammatories and rest a bit to see if it is just a chronic condition that eases off. If it does flare up then options are pedals with increased rotational float or get a specialist bike fit.

springtide9

Could be many things as above.

Another issue could be weak glutes (compared to your quads). When you are cycling... see if your knees are bending out/in as you push?
If your glutes tire before your quads... as you push... it causes your knee to push out or inwards. If this is the case... one legged squats are the answer.

triggmiester

thanks for those replies

Anyone know where i can get a bike/cleat/shoe professional fit near the Gloucestershire area?

springtide9

triggmiester wrote:

thanks for those replies

Anyone know where i can get a bike/cleat/shoe professional fit near the Gloucestershire area?

Not sure about Gloucestershire, but Bristol might not be too far....

http://www.bike-science.com/
http://www.fredbakercycles.co.uk/Articl ... tting.html

Most of the larger bike shops will offer some sort of fitting.

petemadoc

I had the exact same problem after doing the 100 Cheshire cat last March. This was my first 100 miler and my knees where killing for the next day or two. The answers I got on here mainly related to straining the muscle just below your knee (can't remember the name). I rested it for a few days and all seemed ok. Then did a pretty quick 60 miler and the pain was back but this time it went much quicker. Since then it's not returned. I think it maybe just getting used to longer distances.

Peddle Up!

triggmiester wrote:

thanks for those replies

Anyone know where i can get a bike/cleat/shoe professional fit near the Gloucestershire area?

I experienced similar problems with (roughly) <25 mile being OK, but longer rides leaving me with a sore knee. It turned out to be cleat adjustment. I've set out the background before (search my posts).

Bobbinogs

triggmiester wrote:

thanks for those replies

Anyone know where i can get a bike/cleat/shoe professional fit near the Gloucestershire area?

Bike Dynamics are not too far (Leamington Spa). He is very good and does the whole thing, cleats, stem, knees, etc. The town is a nice place for the wife to go shopping too but that could make the day unaffordable

Peddle Up!

+1 for BikeDynamics. Mike really knows his stuff and offers a very comprehensive service.

mrwibble

http://bikedynamics.co.uk/fit01.htm

Pigeons in flight

I had this after last year's Northern Rock 100 miler. Like OP, I could barely walk afterwards. I suspected ITB and started doing various exercises (which included using a foam roller) and changed from SPD-SL pedals to Speedplay. Since last year, I've had a few niggles - but thankfully, nothing as bad.

bmakabayan

joint pain? just stretch it and if you can try to put hot compress so the joint will be relaxed.... thats what i do... lol

Philby

You can get a bike fit in Stroud - http://www.shop.kinetic-one.co.uk/introductory-standard-kinetic-one-bike-fitting-session-48-p.asp

I suggest you either see your GP or a physio as suggestions about the cause and cure for any joint injury over the internet are only guesswork.

madsolitaire

I experienced a similar problem 2 months ago. I have never had any problems with the knees (i've been cycling 25 to 50 miles three times a week) until i started using higher gears recently in an effort to go faster. That was when i started experiencing intense pain on the outside of my left knee one day after an intense workout. This could be due to the fact that my left leg is slightly shorter than my right leg. I couldn't really exert any pressure on that leg and had to cut back on the mileage as well as use easier gears. On top of that, i started doing various knees and quads strengthening exercises every night. Initially, it was very painful and i could only do 2 sets of each exercise. This was then slowly increased until i could do at least 6 or more sets or hold the position for more than a minute. I found these exercises very helpful. It took about 2 weeks for the pain to subside and another 2 to 4 weeks for complete recovery. I didn't take any anti-inflammatory drugs.

Hope you recover soon!