Q-factor and lateral (outside) knee pain

CptKernow

Is there a link between low Q-factor (i.e. less distance between pedals) and lateral knee pain? I seem to be experiencing this between my 2 bikes and it also seems to make a little sense anatomically.

My bikes have different chainsets, both Campag but one is square taper and the other ultra torque - there a little over 1cm difference in the width. When I ride the wider one I don't seem to get too much trouble, the narrower one seems to aggravate what I am assuming is IT band related lateral knee pain - although actually feels like head of fibula.

This sort of makes sense as I read somewhere lateral knee pain can be related to turning toes inwards (and medial turning toes out). Having a narrower Q factor would encourage the toes to point in, I'd have thought.

So, questions are; anyone else had this issue and if so how did you deal with it?

Cheers,
Chris

lawrences

I read somewhere about pedals that sit further out from the crank on longer spindles, which would make up for the 1cm difference but forgot what they were called and where I read it.

Hopefully someone else may know.

forward_loop

With the info posted there are too many variables to put it down to purely Q-factor - though 1cm can be a big difference. I presume one is about 145mm - but the other ?. Crank lengths the same ?

you would have to have pretty wide hips to promote toe in when otherwise you pedal "straight" !

easiest way to test your theory would be to put a few washers on the pedal spindles and take the narrow q for the ride ?

the saddle may also be a factor - as might the cleats ie theoretically you would have minutely different setting for both bikes.

speedplay have different shaft lengths on their pedals.

CptKernow

Thanks for the replies. Yep, I'm probably grasping at straws. I think I've got pretty narrow hips so should probably suit lower Q factor.
It's driving me nuts though! Did an intensive 1hr spinning class - no problem, rode 38mi/3,200ft on winter bike - no problem, 50 miles on my fancy bike, almost the same route, leg hurts?! Pain right on the side of the fibular head...

alihisgreat

CptKernow wrote:

Is there a link between low Q-factor (i.e. less distance between pedals) and lateral knee pain? I seem to be experiencing this between my 2 bikes and it also seems to make a little sense anatomically.

My bikes have different chainsets, both Campag but one is square taper and the other ultra torque - there a little over 1cm difference in the width. When I ride the wider one I don't seem to get too much trouble, the narrower one seems to aggravate what I am assuming is IT band related lateral knee pain - although actually feels like head of fibula.

This sort of makes sense as I read somewhere lateral knee pain can be related to turning toes inwards (and medial turning toes out). Having a narrower Q factor would encourage the toes to point in, I'd have thought.

So, questions are; anyone else had this issue and if so how did you deal with it?

Cheers,
Chris

Yes there is a link - imagine someone putting inwards pressure on your ankle whilst you keep your upper leg stationary, and this is going to put pressure on the outside of the knee, ITB etc.

You can get pedal extensions such as: http://www.kneesaver.net/ if that's a route you want to go down.

But similar knee pain can be caused by other things - I got it from having my saddle marginally too high and I was pointing the outside of my foot down to compensate.

CptKernow

Thanks for the wise words. Just too many variables, especially as no confirmed diagnosis on why by knee hurts.
I'm going to try and get a bike fit and see another physio and take it from there. Might try some pedal extensions just to see. Would be money well spent if it sorts it.

Mikey1976

Ive been getting knee pains on the outside/top of my left knee over the last 3 rides. Todays 50 mile ride I really struggled from about 30 miles in, the pain was really bad.

Now ive had the same shoes/cleats/bike for the last 18 months and probably done about 4000 miles.

Such an open question I know but could it be something simple?

I know people say if the pain is on the outside of the knee, try moving the cleat inwards, but would this still be relevent in my instance?

Thanks