Discussion
....aren't up to the job it seems. 
For the first time, I did a day at Llandegla yesterday, my buddies and I did the red run in the morning and after a break at the rather excellent cafe, watching "Roam" on the plasma and after having a mooch around the shop, we did the black run in the afternoon. The downhill sections were no problem, managed to jump a couple of the doubles, dropoffs, had loads of fun. But I found myself struggling with the black run ascents towards the ends of the day. You might have heard me crying out with pain. In my defence, I did ride 99.9% of the route, only pushing when I found myself in the wrong gear, going nowhere.
So, after nigh on 27 years of football my knees are starting to give me grief. I don't play anymore and actually took up MTB'ing only after I'd finished playing. I wondered whether you guys had any exercise advice for the knees that won't actually make things worse? I'm thinking that high-impact stuff, like running for example, would create further problems, then again, would it strengthen them? Obviously the added advantage of high-impact exercise would be strengthening the calves and thighs which I would also benefit from.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Steve
For the first time, I did a day at Llandegla yesterday, my buddies and I did the red run in the morning and after a break at the rather excellent cafe, watching "Roam" on the plasma and after having a mooch around the shop, we did the black run in the afternoon. The downhill sections were no problem, managed to jump a couple of the doubles, dropoffs, had loads of fun.
But I found myself struggling with the black run ascents towards the ends of the day. You might have heard me crying out with pain. In my defence, I did ride 99.9% of the route, only pushing when I found myself in the wrong gear, going nowhere. So, after nigh on 27 years of football my knees are starting to give me grief. I don't play anymore and actually took up MTB'ing only after I'd finished playing. I wondered whether you guys had any exercise advice for the knees that won't actually make things worse? I'm thinking that high-impact stuff, like running for example, would create further problems, then again, would it strengthen them? Obviously the added advantage of high-impact exercise would be strengthening the calves and thighs which I would also benefit from.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Steve
Firstly, if it's that bad, seek specialist help sooner rather than later, it could make all the difference.
Secondly, my own experience has been to continue to work the muscle/ligament on the bike, at a lower intensity. So push a lower gear up a smaller hill for less time, the idea being over time you can increase the work load your putting the offending joint under and with any luck build it better, stronger, faster than before. Just like the Bionic Man.
Secondly, my own experience has been to continue to work the muscle/ligament on the bike, at a lower intensity. So push a lower gear up a smaller hill for less time, the idea being over time you can increase the work load your putting the offending joint under and with any luck build it better, stronger, faster than before. Just like the Bionic Man.
Edited by WildCards on Monday 14th April 20:00
leg presses are supposed to be good. There are a multitude of different injuries that can affect the knee, I'm suffering with a recurring injury which has needed ultrasound, deep tissue massage (PAINFUL!) think it's called patellofemoral injury.
Have a look at http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/1044-c...
I'd suggest checking cleats and cycling position are ok and get some treatment.
Deep tissue massage with TENS machine and ultrasound works wonders for mine all be it not a pleasant session.
Have a look at http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/1044-c...
I'd suggest checking cleats and cycling position are ok and get some treatment.
Deep tissue massage with TENS machine and ultrasound works wonders for mine all be it not a pleasant session.
Hiya Steve - Most important thing to check is your seating position. Saddle should be at the correct height with a slight bend to the knee when seated and ball of foot on downstroked pedal.
Also - what pedals are you using? Do you have enough lateral float if using clipless? I had terrible knee problems due to no movement in my SPDs, changed to a looser cleat and it cleared up.
Also - what pedals are you using? Do you have enough lateral float if using clipless? I had terrible knee problems due to no movement in my SPDs, changed to a looser cleat and it cleared up.
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the replies. Don't get me wrong, it's not a harsh pain as though there is a specific issue eg. cruciate etc. more a dull, weak ache when the knee gets tired and has had quite a bit of use.
I quite probably will speak to an expert/specialist when I've a little more time but in the meantime I'm looking for a kind of "knee specific" exercise plan for keeping the joints working and so they don't give me so much grief towards the end of a ride.
I change my seating position depending on the riding I'm doing, so for downhill the seat goes down (forks go up), for uphill the seat goes up (forks go down). I'll actually get off and elevate the seating position a little further if riding uphill and I find I'm struggling, so I'm OK (au fait?) with this.
Do we think running would make them worse? Arguably it's sprinting/twisting/running that's got them like this in the first place!
Thanks for the replies. Don't get me wrong, it's not a harsh pain as though there is a specific issue eg. cruciate etc. more a dull, weak ache when the knee gets tired and has had quite a bit of use.
I quite probably will speak to an expert/specialist when I've a little more time but in the meantime I'm looking for a kind of "knee specific" exercise plan for keeping the joints working and so they don't give me so much grief towards the end of a ride.
I change my seating position depending on the riding I'm doing, so for downhill the seat goes down (forks go up), for uphill the seat goes up (forks go down). I'll actually get off and elevate the seating position a little further if riding uphill and I find I'm struggling, so I'm OK (au fait?) with this.
Do we think running would make them worse? Arguably it's sprinting/twisting/running that's got them like this in the first place!
Parrot of Doom said:
Check your saddle isn't too low, also sitting further back on the saddle will give you more power.
POD, We're riding up at Rivi tonight if you fancy it? meeting at 17:45, across the road from the lower barn.
Just a small ride tonight as my mates are in training for "Switchbacks" in May and are trying out more regular, but smaller rides.
Steve
I would nip down to boots and get some Seven Seas Joint Care Max. I have chronic arthritis (too many years sk8'ing silly ramps and playing hockey). This eases the joint pain and I can ride without any problems. If it is really bad the drop a couple of anadin extra.
The only problem is the "pills" are huge, you never know weather to swallow them or lube them.
The only problem is the "pills" are huge, you never know weather to swallow them or lube them.
anniesdad said:
Parrot of Doom said:
Check your saddle isn't too low, also sitting further back on the saddle will give you more power.
POD, We're riding up at Rivi tonight if you fancy it? meeting at 17:45, across the road from the lower barn.
Just a small ride tonight as my mates are in training for "Switchbacks" in May and are trying out more regular, but smaller rides.
Steve
Gooby said:
I would nip down to boots and get some Seven Seas Joint Care Max. I have chronic arthritis (too many years sk8'ing silly ramps and playing hockey). This eases the joint pain and I can ride without any problems. If it is really bad the drop a couple of anadin extra.
The only problem is the "pills" are huge, you never know weather to swallow them or lube them.
The only problem is the "pills" are huge, you never know weather to swallow them or lube them.
Will remortgage the house and pop down to Boots and get some. Parrot of Doom said:
anniesdad said:
Parrot of Doom said:
Check your saddle isn't too low, also sitting further back on the saddle will give you more power.
POD, We're riding up at Rivi tonight if you fancy it? meeting at 17:45, across the road from the lower barn.
Just a small ride tonight as my mates are in training for "Switchbacks" in May and are trying out more regular, but smaller rides.
Steve
I saw a lone rider on a blue Specialised Rockhopper with Boxxxer forks and I thought it might have been you? Seem to recall that was your bikes spec.?
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