My knees need to crack...
vauuhnqdoblon94v0
Posts: 1
For as long as I can remember, I have needed to periodically extend my legs to "crack" my knees, and I think it's hindering my ability to ride. Has anyone ever had this condition? If so, what's the answer?
When I say "crack", I don't mean like crack your knuckles. It isn't audible, but it's a similar sensation. I'll ride for a few strides (literally one or two), and then I feel the need to fully extend my legs, as if there is some sort of air or liquid build up in my knees. When I do, there's a "click" I feel in my knee, and it relieves my urge to extend my legs--but only for one or two more strides. Then I need to repeat it.
Why is this a problem? Because I need to keep my saddle a little higher than where it should be. It means that almost ever "stride" I take, I fully extend my legs. I've seen all kinds of videos on why it isn't good to ride with a saddle that's too high. It puts undue stress on your knees, and you're not using the correct muscles. I did it for a few months last year when I first started riding regularly, and I didn't feel any issues. I knew my saddle was too high, but figured that since I didn't feel any pain, it was all right. Last March, however, (just before the shelter-in-place) I purchased a gravel bike (should have gotten a road bike) and started cycling much more often. Still, for several months, I didn't have any issues. I even started riding steep hills and lengthy distances (at least for me), going about 25 to 40 miles at a time, with elevation increases in the 2500's. It was great..
However, in July, something went wrong, and I started feeling significant pain in both knees. I hadn't changed anything in my rides or stretching. In fact, I had pulled back a little. It hurt to walk for several weeks. And now, it's been a couple months. I feel fine, but haven't ridden since. Has anyone ever had a similar experience or someone who has? Do I have water in my knees? Is there an operation I can get? I would assume that if I can solve the knee click issue, I'd be able to lower my saddle to the proper height and ride without any problems, at least that's my goal.
Thanks in advance.
When I say "crack", I don't mean like crack your knuckles. It isn't audible, but it's a similar sensation. I'll ride for a few strides (literally one or two), and then I feel the need to fully extend my legs, as if there is some sort of air or liquid build up in my knees. When I do, there's a "click" I feel in my knee, and it relieves my urge to extend my legs--but only for one or two more strides. Then I need to repeat it.
Why is this a problem? Because I need to keep my saddle a little higher than where it should be. It means that almost ever "stride" I take, I fully extend my legs. I've seen all kinds of videos on why it isn't good to ride with a saddle that's too high. It puts undue stress on your knees, and you're not using the correct muscles. I did it for a few months last year when I first started riding regularly, and I didn't feel any issues. I knew my saddle was too high, but figured that since I didn't feel any pain, it was all right. Last March, however, (just before the shelter-in-place) I purchased a gravel bike (should have gotten a road bike) and started cycling much more often. Still, for several months, I didn't have any issues. I even started riding steep hills and lengthy distances (at least for me), going about 25 to 40 miles at a time, with elevation increases in the 2500's. It was great..
However, in July, something went wrong, and I started feeling significant pain in both knees. I hadn't changed anything in my rides or stretching. In fact, I had pulled back a little. It hurt to walk for several weeks. And now, it's been a couple months. I feel fine, but haven't ridden since. Has anyone ever had a similar experience or someone who has? Do I have water in my knees? Is there an operation I can get? I would assume that if I can solve the knee click issue, I'd be able to lower my saddle to the proper height and ride without any problems, at least that's my goal.
Thanks in advance.
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Comments
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The 'cracking' in your knees is probably air bubbles forming in the synovial fluid and is perfectly normal. It's the same thing as cracking your knuckles. Have you been riding with a higher saddle just to stop that? If so, you've likely caused an *actual* problem with your knees in doing so.Fat chopper. Some racing. Some testing. Some crashing.
Specialising in Git Daaahns and Cafs. Norvern Munkey/Transplanted Laaandoner.0 -
Sounds like this, which apparently need further investigation....
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-pop-your-knee#precautions
PP0
