Knee pain, diagnosed as arthritis of the medial compartment

OwenCB

Hi, I've been suffering with knee pain for the past 12 months, to the point where I've been struggling to get out on the bike.
I went for physio which seemed to make things worse, changed pedals and cleat system, had a bike fit and unfortunately nothing seemed to help me.
Eventually I got an MRI scan from a GP referral and it's just been diagnosed as severe arthritis to the medial compartment, I don't know what this is really and I now have to wait to see a specialist to discuss my options.
I'm not looking for a miracle cure, but has anyone been diagnosed with something like this? Were you able to continue cycling? I'm overweight so I know losing some(lots) will help, but I just want to know if I'll still be able to cycle for fun without being restricted to short flat rides, I live on the edge of the lakes so I can't avoid hills really.

svetty

Weight loss is most important thing. Occasional steroid injections will keep it under control. Maybe a joint replacement at some point - shouldn't affect your cycling once recovered from the op.....

ALS8

To help increase mobility and and reduce the pain and stiffness that can come with arthritis, focus on things that increase the blood flow (but with minimal strain). I recommend treatments that don't require a lot of exertion in being able to do so. Things such as massage therapy, ultrasound, BFST, acupuncture, etc. These types of treatment give you the nutrients and oxygen you need to heal but also the increased blood flow with lubricate the joint better and help with the stiffness. It's also very important to get down any inflammation with a cold compress. If the area is inflamed it hinders the blood flow even more than it would typically. Get the inflammation down, then increase the circulation.

MikeBrew

Use speedplay X pedals, the 20 degrees of float helps a lot - some other pedal systems have a spring that tries to centralize the cleat, which can lead to twisting pressure through the knees if your feet don't naturally fall where the cleat is pointed. Smaller gears and shorter cranks will help as the higher cadence they facilitate puts less strain through the knee than pushing a big gear at a low cadence.

wishitwasallflat

If it's truly severe then joint replacement may be the best option, once recovered from the op cycling is generally good. They can resurface or replace the medial compartment if needed. For less severe, or long term management it's finding the right balance between movement and rest. Low load exercise is best so swimming is reccomend, for cycling try to use as low a gear as possible to get the movement and exercise without too much load. OA is degeneration of the cartridge and there is some limited evidence that taking vitamin D and chondroitin supplements can help it regenerate. Passive mobilisations can also be very effective in reducing pain and helping mobility.

Also worth seeing a good podiatrist as medial compartment problems can be associated with over pronation of the fore foot.

No matter what loosing weight will help.

Best of luck for a good outcome.

LeeDa

Check out coconut water for arthritis. I have a close friend who after several years of suffering arthritis in multiple joints experienced significant pain relief from drinking it daily and seemingly further improvement from removing dairy from their diet (6-8 weeks later) . Over the years I've also heard a lot about the benefit of avoiding the nightshade group of vegetables. It's worth a try.

OwenB

Hi Guys, thanks for the advice, there's been a change in circumstances though, it seems my GP made an error in giving me information regarding the arthritis as there was a mistake with the MRI (thankfully)
When I finally got to see the specialist they actually confirmed it as chondromalacia patella, caused by a weakened vastus medialis. Basically some good physio and I should be cured long term.

I'm back out on the bike tomorrow!!