Dodgy knee - anterior..?

[Monsieur Remings]

Have just revisited this thread as the hassle is still present and have read with interest other people's contributions, in particular Mangaman's and Jaynana's since the last time I posted...thanks.

Sadly I didn't read some of the comments on NSAIDs before tonight and have just been prescribed some Naproxen under advice from another cycling friend who'd said some stronger, prescribed anti-inflammatories had worked for her. I've always been opposed to using drugs of any kind where avoidable so I wish I'd read this before but thanks anyway folks...the pain is bearable and is not constant but believe this is bio-mechanical too. Riding three different bikes may not help!

One question regarding anti-inflammatory drugs is whether it is possible to use them only when you feel you may need them? I know you don't need to finish a course but these seem fairly heavy duty and I'm wondering now whether this was the right course of action. I guess we live and learn and thanks again all.

 

[MrJamie]

I get a dull knee pain sometimes after cycling fast, keeping a decent cadence but in a much higher gear to go faster. I find stretching quads/hamstrings/ITB really makes a difference and also helps me avoid problems with bad lower back.

I think Naproxen is the same stuff as Feminax btw, IIRC from a friend being prescribed it and being mocked a little.

 

[albion]

Well, I was out on a different bike today. I need a longer seat post as with it on maximum I still aggravated my knee and had to shorten a ride.

Can't really answer the drug question sorry but I'd suggest maybe only using the most knee comfortable bike.
I'm hoping that it is only saddle height and not body positioning that affected me today, on bike 2.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Well, I was out on a different bike today. I need a longer seat post as with it on maximum I still aggravated my knee and had to shorten a ride.

Can't really answer the drug question sorry but I'd suggest maybe only using the most knee comfortable bike.
I'm hoping that it is only saddle height and not body positioning that affected me today, on bike 2.

if you switch to a longer seat post check that you don't need to get an inline or zero offset post first. It will depend on if you have your saddle as far forward as possible already. At the weekend, I had to change to a zero offset post with more length to resolved a knee problem I picked up on my 2nd ride of my new mtb plus a few days rest (no NSAIDs for me I'm allergic to them) and I have been able to get back out on the same bike and the seat setup is much better.

 

[mangaman]

Have just revisited this thread as the hassle is still present and have read with interest other people's contributions, in particular Mangaman's and Jaynana's since the last time I posted...thanks.

Sadly I didn't read some of the comments on NSAIDs before tonight and have just been prescribed some Naproxen under advice from another cycling friend who'd said some stronger, prescribed anti-inflammatories had worked for her. I've always been opposed to using drugs of any kind where avoidable so I wish I'd read this before but thanks anyway folks...the pain is bearable and is not constant but believe this is bio-mechanical too. Riding three different bikes may not help!

One question regarding anti-inflammatory drugs is whether it is possible to use them only when you feel you may need them? I know you don't need to finish a course but these seem fairly heavy duty and I'm wondering now whether this was the right course of action. I guess we live and learn and thanks again all.

I would say it is OK to use NSAIDs just when you need them.

Naproxen is quite a strong one though and does have potentially worse side effects.

Personally I take the odd ibuprofen but I feel if you are needing to take regular stronger analgesia there must be something underlying that needs sorting.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Thanks Manga, a couple of sessions on the turbo later and it's not good again so another break for me which is a hassle, Have looked into adjustments and have made a few but am fairly adamant that the set-up on my road bike proper is not the problem; the turbo set-up is another question and I made a few changes last night but it's obvious after yesterday that it's not a good idea to be on it.

Naproxen does seem fairly heavy duty and I'll give them a week maximum to see if I can discern any difference; have incorporated some stretches, and make sure that when sat the legs are as straight as possible when they can be.

Thanks people...

 

[mrandmrspoves]

If you are taking any Non Steroidal (Ibuprofen/Diclofenac/Naproxen etc.) try to reduce the risk of side effects by always taking them with or after food. NSAID's are all extremely acidic and can alter the acidity levels in the stomach enough to cause it to start to digest itself - which is basically what happens when you get a gastric ulcer.
As NSAID's are designed to damp down inflammation, I would suggest taking them regularly for a week or two (unless your GP advised differently - if they did, do what they advised!) but stop taking them if you start to suffer from heartburn/indigestion.
Inflammatory joint pain treatment usually involves a combination approach of gentle exercise (no load) to prevent stiffness, rest and application of ice packs as well as medication.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

Thanks mrandmrsproves - the Naproxen came with another medication for avoiding stomach ulcers, which really brought home how heavy duty it is.

Unfortunately for me, there are things that can't be avoided...I'm a full-time Dad most of the week and my little boy likes getting into places where he needs removing, scrambling away from nappy changes, getting up on high tables etc. The load carrying - him -doesn't help but is unavoidable and has probably prolonged the issue, so too my own frustration. I'll get back to using the ice packs again tonight.