Knee pain is one of the most common overuse injuries that cyclists can suffer from with an estimated 41% of recreational cyclists being affected.
Patellofemoral syndrome and iliotibal band syndrome seem to be the most common diagnoses people get.
Remember what we said about syndromes!!!
So what’s going on?
Well, if you consider that riding for an hour at 90 rpm will involve 5,400 pedal revolutions, you can begin to see how minor compensations can become major dysfunctions relatively quickly. When we move from a functionally dysfunctional state to dysfunctionally dysfunctional, pain is often partnered with it.
In cases of patellofemoral syndrome (a name given to general pain around the front of the knee), it’s thought the knee isn’t tracking properly in the groove (and often afflicts runners too!). Typically there is an imbalance between the quads and hamstrings, the four quad muscles themselves, a local imbalance within the Rectus Femoris itself, or a more global issue involving the core or even neck. Occasionally we may see hip or ankle issues contributing to the patterns seen which also need to be resolved.
Bike fit and cleat position can also be factors which need consideration in these cases.
With ITB syndrome (discomfort on the side of the leg) can bring abduction / addiction issues, or internal / external hip rotation issues in addition to lateral chain dysfunction into the mix.
In both cases a joint stuck in compression or decompression at either the hip, knee or ankle may be partly to blame.
If you’re suffering from knee pain, it’s best to get it checked out. If there’s a neurological dysfunction, rest won’t make the problem go away.
Image credit Pexels (free)
Experience the difference – A refreshingly different approach to pain and dysfunction, so you can breathe better, move better, to live better. 2018 08 16