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Bike Riding Can Be A Pain

Bike riding is a great way to have fun and stay fit, but it can also be the source of serious knee pain.

By Benedict Neel

Bike riding is a great way to have fun and stay fit, but it can also be the source of serious knee pain.

Whether you’re a beginner, or an experienced cyclist, you can be at risk of a condition called IT band syndrome.  This is an injury caused by a stretching of the iliotibial tissue, a thick and fibrous tissue that runs from the hip to the knee.  When cycling, the constant up and down motion of the legs causes this tissue to become stretched.  Then, the tissues rub against the bony portions of the knee and hip, causing intense 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.

Altering your bicycle can take the edge off of your cyclists’ knee pain.  Take your bike to a cycle shop and for a professional opinion.  The solution may be as simple as raising or lowering the seat.  The area of your pain can indicate a problem with your seat height.  Pain behind the knee indicates a seat positioned too high, while pain in the patella may be caused by a seat too low.  Improperly positioned cleats can also cause pain.  Cleats should be neutral, not floating too much internally or externally.  Again, a cycle shop professional can help, using a “fit kit” to help find the perfect cleat position.

Chondromalacia is another common cycling-related injury.  The constant pressure that’s applied to the cartilage behind the patella causes this condition.

Strengthening the quadriceps muscles along the front of the thigh can help to relieve the discomfort.  Physicians recommend simple exercises, like sitting on a chair and stretching the leg.  Avoiding sideward movement while pedaling can also help lessen the 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.

Author Benedict Neel writes for a number of Internet sites, on sports instruction and sports clubs topics.Click here to get your own unique version of this article from the Unique Articles Submissions Service

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