Knee pain

[MarkShelley]

I am 50 next week and have just started pushbiking again after a few decades break! I have been a jogger for the last 5 years and have had the odd twinge in the knees which increaseS with distance but as long as I have a rest day in between runs it has been OK. I usually run between 4 and 7 miles.
My first decent run on the bike was to work and back which is 17 mile round trip. I probably went a bit quicker than I should, but my knee twinges were really bad for a few days after, particularly when going up stairs. Yesterday I went for a very gentle 11 mile trip (the wife was with me!) and even after that I got the twinges again.
Do you think this is likely to get better the more miles I cover?

 

[Hacienda71]

You need to make sure the bike is set up right for you. Cycling if the bike is well set up should be much less likely to cause knee problems than running. A saddle that is too low or too high can make your knees ache.

 

[ferret fur]

It may also be down to a tight ITB . you may need to find a way of stretching your thighs after a ride

 

[MarkShelley]

You need to make sure the bike is set up right for you. Cycling if the bike is well set up should be much less likely to cause knee problems than running. A saddle that is too low or too high can make your knees ache.

I always thought that your thigh should be parallel with the ground at the top of the `stroke` (for want of a better word!). Is this correct?

 

[Hacienda71]

There are a number of variables to consider. this is quite a comprehensive fitting guide. If in doubt though and you want to get it right your LBS may be willing to help. They will probably charge a little but you will have the comfort of knowing it is correct.

 

[Norry1]

I started cycling last April, and I was having exactly the same issue. I started doing ITB stretches regularly and the problem pretty much went away.

Martin

 

[Sam Cycling]

Do you use Look or similar pedals ?
Maybe you need check cleats position.

 

[montage]

See a doctor to start getting the ball rolling incase you need physio treatment.
In the mean time, if your knee hurts, don't push it. Very often pushing a hurting knee just damages it

 

[vorsprung]

I've done a blog post on bike fit which does mention knee pain, you might like to take a look

http://audaxing.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/long-distance-ride-bike-fit-tips/