Knee pain that just won't go away.

[vecraig]

Hi all,

 

So I've been having ongoing knee pain for the last 1,5 years. Been riding for 3 years (I'm 25)

It's basically a patellar tracking problem. After a couple of minutes of even light riding, it gets sore and then I struggle to walk for a day or two.

I've tried numerous different options.

 

2 different bike fits. 

3 different saddles.

2 different pedals and cleats.

Physios and strength training. (I've been told I have no cartilage damage or imbalances) 

 

I've tried resting the leg for up to two weeks but as soon as I jump back on the bike the pain returns almost immediately. The only thing that helps is a Patellar strap that sits under my kneecap. It helps, but I still feel like I'm creating a bigger problem for myself down the line. 

 

I'm basically getting to a point where I'm going to have to hang the bike up for a couple of months.

 

Have any of you guys had a similar problem and resolved the issue in some way I'm not thinking of?

 

 

[DirtyDan]

There are various good knee specialists around the Cape. I'd definitely see what an MRI and the ortho says. Yes, it's expensive, but it seems like you've tried everything conservative, you're young and your livelihood is important.

[ChrisF]

There are various good knee specialists around the Cape. I'd definitely see what an MRI and the ortho says. Yes, it's expensive, but it seems like you've tried everything conservative, you're young and your livelihood is important.

 

JIP !!

 

Your body is trying to tell you something .....

 

Having done all the setup testing this is probably a medical issue rather than a "bike issue".

 

 

Go see a medical specialist ... actually a couple, as you will probably go through a battery of tests and procedures to eliminate the obvious stuff.

 

 

With any luck you will have a better final diagnosis than I had at the age of 30 .... severe arthritis, and an agressive one at that.  Ironically, listening to my body led to an early diagnosis, which really helped in limiting permanent damage.  I know people with the same diagnosis that were diagnosed too late - GP's kept on telling them the pain is just because they are very active .... net result was knee and hip replacements !

[lechatnoir]

Go see a medical specialist ... actually a couple, as you will probably go through a battery of tests and procedures to eliminate the obvious stuff.

 

^^^^THIS.... And don't be afraid of second opinions. That's not to say 'go for opinions until you get the one you like'. Ask for recommendations for specialists - plenty here on the hub. My experience is that getting a second opinion helped me avoid life-changing surgery. Yet the same surgeon saved the life of a friend (neuro stuff), so it's a case-by-case thing

 

And good luck...

[Bonker]

Ja, the best advice would be to see a specialist.

 

I had a similar issue with my knee however mine was due to cartilage damage. I was told to see a physio before doing any surgery. She helped by strengthening the muscle around my knee. We'd do this with simple exercises like flexing the quad and holding it for longer and longer as time went on. Also did electrical muscle stimulation. 

 

Your situation may be completely different though. Have you done an MRI?

[ChrisF]

for curiosity sake :

 

I first went to a physio.  She checked a lot of stuff ... once she was convinced it was not a muscle/ligament issue she recommended I go see an orthopedic specialist.

 

X-rays, MRI .... followed by a small opperation to go in with a camera to see whats wrong.

 

This led to a referal to a rheumatologist, with even more scans and a series of blood tests, which led to the final diagnosis.

 

 

 

The very good news is that the meds have advanced a LOT in the last 20 years !!!  I am back on the bike, even though just for shorter and moderate rides.  

 

So even the worst case is not as bad as it used to be ..... 

 

 

HOPE your diagnosis is quick and not as serious. 

[milky4130]

Hi all,

 

So I've been having ongoing knee pain for the last 1,5 years. Been riding for 3 years (I'm 25)

It's basically a patellar tracking problem. After a couple of minutes of even light riding, it gets sore and then I struggle to walk for a day or two.

I've tried numerous different options.

 

2 different bike fits. 

3 different saddles.

2 different pedals and cleats.

Physios and strength training. (I've been told I have no cartilage damage or imbalances) 

 

I've tried resting the leg for up to two weeks but as soon as I jump back on the bike the pain returns almost immediately. The only thing that helps is a Patellar strap that sits under my kneecap. It helps, but I still feel like I'm creating a bigger problem for myself down the line. 

 

I'm basically getting to a point where I'm going to have to hang the bike up for a couple of months.

 

Have any of you guys had a similar problem and resolved the issue in some way I'm not thinking of?

Yes I have, Bike & Cleat Setup, full Stop. Who did your previous bike fits? I'll then reccomend you to someone if you have not used them before already.

[OneLove]

Went to see GP's and multiple physio's for almost a year for my knee and they promised me it's just me hurting it every time. Went to see a knee specialist and it took him 5min to tell me I need ACL and meniscus repair surgery.

 

Go see a specialist

[milky4130]

Went to see GP's and multiple physio's for almost a year for my knee and they promised me it's just me hurting it every time. Went to see a knee specialist and it took him 5min to tell me I need ACL and meniscus repair surgery.

 

Go see a specialist

I'm assumming you never knew you had those injuries to those ligaments?

[milky4130]

 

2 different bike fits. 

3 different saddles.

2 different pedals and cleats.

Physios and strength training. (I've been told I have no cartilage damage or imbalances)

 

 

How was it determined that you had no cartilage damage?

[vecraig]

Thanks for all the replies guys. 

 

Seems the doc is the best route. Will keep the thread updated as I progress. 

 

 

Yes I have, Bike & Cleat Setup, full Stop. Who did your previous bike fits? I'll then reccomend you to someone if you have not used them before already.

 

I went for an initial bike fit at Giant Durbanville (not super scientific) and then a couple of months ago I went for an ErgoFit at the Sports Science Institute Cape Town

[OneLove]

I'm assumming you never knew you had those injuries to those ligaments?

I knew my knee was unstable but I trusted the physio's at the time so I just carried on and hoped it would heal.

 

Had no idea I had a full ACL rupture.

[vecraig]

How was it determined that you had no cartilage damage?

 

Physio reckoned because I had no obvious structural problems, like clicking or grinding.

Not very scientific I know, but I wanted to give her advice a shot about strengthening and rehab. 

[OneLove]

Physio reckoned because I had no obvious structural problems, like clicking or grinding.

 

She told me the same thing, I had 4 stitches in that knee. My knee did lock sometimes though.

[Just Jacques]

Save yourself a lot of trouble and make an appointment with Dr Koos Marais( ortho surgeon)at Mediclnic Durbanville - best knee Dr around. You wont regret it...

My2c

[outoftowner]

My 2 cents worth. I have also been battling with knee pain over the last 6 months, and after exploring various options and adjustments, my physio noticed that despite a correct set-up, I have been compensating for an old injury. It was physiological. I was literally been pigeon toeing my one leg, and dropping my one shoulder in order to "protect" my ribs I fractured 2 years ago. The amount of damage I did to my knee, has left to intense physio over the last couple of months. It is finally clearing up, but just a different perspective of what could bring certain injuries about.