Cycling & Cycling-Related Injuries:
Knee Pain In Cycling
Of all the overuse injuries in cyclists, KNEE PAIN is the number one problem, and the most common cause is an
improper bike fit.
Effective prevention and treatment relies upon an understanding of four key factors: bicycle fit, anatomic variants,
mileage/intensity, and training practices.
Bike Fit
Once you've gone for your professional bike fit, you may need to make some minor modifications. A seat that is too far
forward leads to increased stress at the knee. A seat that is too high may cause pain at the back of your knee, while a seat
that is too low may lead to pain at the front of your knee. If you are using a floating cleat system and are experiencing
knee pain, a good rule of thumb is to restrict the degrees of rotation to 5 degrees.
Anatomic Variants
These may include increased pronation, shortened or "tight" muscles, and leg length differences which can cause rather
complicated biomechanical problems. Although proper stretching may help in some cases, an examination in our office is
reccommended.
Mileage/Intensity
When experiencing knee pain, several days of total rest and ice is advised, with a gradual return to activity. It is
important to reduce both mileage and intensity to ensure that the injured and inflamed tissues receive adequate rest and
heal properly. While making a gradual return to cycling, stick to flat terrain, avoiding hill work, and ride with a high
cadence (90–110 R.P.M.) in a low gear, with easy resistance.
Training
An inadequate "training base" is a common cause for injury. To prevent future problems, start building an adequate training
base through progressive, gradual increases in training. If your pain persists despite these recommendations call our
office to schedule an appointment.