Wonky knee, do I get a support?

[D4MJT]

Hi, I'm just after a bit of advice really. I'm 26 and a bit of a fatboy, so I've started cycling into work, which is roughly 9 miles. I've done this for 2.5 months now with no issues, and I feel like I'm ready to add some distance to the route to make sure I keep getting benefit out of it, rather than settling too much into a routine.

However, I'm also starting to notice that I can feel one of my knees more than the other, so I'm thinking it's a good idea to get in there before it develops, and get a knee support or something? Is that right, or could it make it worse, and if it is the thing to do, any recommendations / where should I buy one?

The knee isn't giving me pain as such, but I'm conscious I can feel it when I'm walking about, whereas I don't notice anything with the other knee at all. Best way to pinpoint it is it's my left knee, and it feels sort of tight, or warm, occasionally uncomfortable on the outside of the knee, to the left of the kneecap?

Obviously I should just man up and ride faster or something, but jokes aside, I'm getting gains out of cycling and really enjoying it, so I don't want to end up mashing my knee by not looking after it.

Thanks!

[NitroNick]

Are you using clipless pedals? If so, make sure the cleats are properly adjusted.
If not, check your pedals to see if the axels are straight, if an axel is warped it may put extra pressure on your knee.
Also is the bike set up correctly? Is the saddle at the right height, if it's too low it will increase the pressure on your knees.

[D4MJT]

NitroNick said:

Are you using clipless pedals? If so, make sure the cleats are properly adjusted.
If not, check your pedals to see if the axels are straight, if an axel is warped it may put extra pressure on your knee.
Also is the bike set up correctly? Is the saddle at the right height, if it's too low it will increase the pressure on your knees.

Well then. I know it definitely has pedals? They're just the normal sort, no clips or straps or anything? As far as I know they're straight but I'll definitely check that out. I'll double check my seat height, I have it so that when I'm sat on the seat, with the pedal at the bottom furthest from me there's a slight bend in my knee, not masses though, just so it isn't fully straight and extended.

Is a knee support a bad idea then?

[ewenm]

In general it's better to work out why the knee is feeling different and fix that rather than just support the knee - fix the cause rather than the symptom. However, it may be much easier to just try a support and see if it helps.

[D4MJT]

ewenm said:

In general it's better to work out why the knee is feeling different and fix that rather than just support the knee - fix the cause rather than the symptom. However, it may be much easier to just try a support and see if it helps.

I see what you mean, I hadn't really thought about that tbh, I used to cycle a lot when I was younger (<16) and that knee was always a bit "clicky" so I just assumed it was probably more the knee than the bike or what I was doing. Worth checking though. I'll check the pedals out as mentioned and double check my seating position. :-)

[JustNeil]

Might I suggest a quick trip to a physio? They are able to quickly identify any misalignment or imbalance in muscle strength and so on. It could be that you're not stretching properly after your ride, leading to your knee being pulled out of alignment because of some muscles being shorter than others (this happened to me when running).

They could be able to prescribe a few stretches that could solve the problem without relying on supports.

I think it would be better to remove the problem than work round it with a support.

Also, check that your saddle height is right and the bike fits you properly.

Yeah, as mentioned above...

[BliarOut]

You shouldn't need a knee support as the bike should be taking your weigh.! Follow the Sheldon Brown articles about saddle adjustment as a first step

My knee is shot to pieces and as long as the saddle is right I can still cycle for miles.

[D4MJT]

BliarOut said:

You shouldn't need a knee support as the bike should be taking your weigh.! Follow the Sheldon Brown articles about saddle adjustment as a first step

My knee is shot to pieces and as long as the saddle is right I can still cycle for miles.

That's good to know then! Good on you as well!

Physio could be a good idea, you'll have to forgive me for asking utterly stupid questions, but I might as well continue the theme, how do you go about arranging to see one, I've never needed to see a physio in my entire life. Is it a case of looking one up locally, or do you get referred by a gp?

[ewenm]

You can be referred by your GP and it should be free but you might need to wait. Alternatively you book a private appointment with a sports physio which shouldn't be too pricey - I'd get a recommendation from your local running/cycling/football/rugby club for a decent sports physio and talk to them.

[NitroNick]

Also....Until you do get it diagnosed: if you are cycling, make sure you use low gears, pushing big gears will only compound the injury.

[D4MJT]

NitroNick said:

Also....Until you do get it diagnosed: if you are cycling, make sure you use low gears, pushing big gears will only compound the injury.

Thanks for that, good to know, I think I heard the term, "spinner or grinder" a while back in reference to biking, and I think I'm naturally a spinner anyway really, so low gears are fine with me.

[gareth h]

When I bought a new mountain bike I set the saddle as far back as it would go because I was used to a stretched out riding position on my old Kona, I started to have knee problems, turns out it was because the saddle was too far behind the crank, moved it forward and the prob went away. It's worth talking to somebody who knows about set up.

[BliarOut]

What are you wearing when you cycle? I find anything even remotely tight causes problems. It's shorts all the way for me

[daz3210]

I had a knee injury at the end of last year. I bought a knee support and wore it for a good few months.

Went to see the PT at the gym a couple or three months ago. Said PT has also done a bit of sports physio training, and he asked about the support. He told me to take it off, and he looked carefully at my knee. Apparently that knee is less string than the good one, which he thinks may be partly because I have favoured it for so long and partly because of the support. He says the supports should only be used when lifting, not when doing cardio type work.

On that basis, I would stay away from the support for cycling.

Have you thought of having a rest from the bike for a day or two see if it eases? I have stepped up my distance a good bit over the last week, and today my knees aren't what I would call sore, but lets just say I am aware I worked hard last night.

[Astarin]

BliarOut said:

What are you wearing when you cycle? I find anything even remotely tight causes problems. It's shorts all the way for me

See, what did I tell you D4MJT!! Shorts all the way you toolshed!