Riding a bicycle can be a real pain in the leg.
Many cyclists complain of knee pain. It’s a condition known as IT band syndrome, a painful stretching of the iliotibial tissue. In bicycle riders, this thick fibrous tissue running from the hip to the knee gets stretched due to the constant up and down motion of the legs. The stretched tissue then begins to rub against the bony portions of the knees or hip, causing certain pain.
IT band syndrome commonly affects beginner cyclists, because rookies will ride for hours on end without paying proper respect to the wellness of their knees and feet. Poor sitting position, cleat alignment, hard riding and a faulty saddle are other causes of knee pain. Simple body anatomy can also be a culprit. Riding more slowly is the only way to reduce this type of pain. When the cycling motions slow down, the body has more time to adapt to the physical stresses. Stretching before and after cycling, and minimizing hard riding, can also help to reduce the effects of IT band syndrome.
There are changes that you can make to your bicycle to help reduce cyclists’ knee pain. Try adjusting the seat higher or lower to take stress off of the knees. Whether your seat is too high or too low, you can experience cyclists’ knee pain. If the seat is too high, you’ll feel the pain behind the knee. On the other hand, a seat positioned too low can result in pain in the patella. Visit your cycle shop for help in finding the best seat height position for you. If your bicycle is equipped with cleats, they too may need some adjustment. Cleats should not float too much internally, and should not float externally. Ideally, the cleats will be neutral. Your bike shop can help to adjust your cleats using the “fit kit” method.
In addition to IT band syndrome, chondromalacia is another common cycling-related injury. This condition is caused by the constant pressure applied to the cartilage behind the patella.
Try strengthening the quadriceps muscles along the front of the thigh to relieve your discomfort. Some doctors recommend simple exercises, like sitting on a chair and stretching the leg, to strengthen the quadriceps. Avoid sideward movement while pedaling to help ease your pain.
It’s important to reduce your riding time until your knee pain subsides, or you may risk further injury. Rest your knee and apply ice packs to alleviate the pain. When riding, avoid bumpy surfaces and high speed cycling. Keep your muscles loose by applying ice and doing stretches before you ride. In cold weather riding, be sure to keep your legs warm.
Cyclists’ knee pain can indicate more serious conditions. If your pain persists or becomes worse, see a doctor or visit a sports clinic for a complete analysis.
