Knee Pain

[Rachael]

So the doctor examined my knees today and said that they don't seem very good. Instead of the patella gliding around my knee, it clicks and doesn't move smoothly. She made me get 4 x-rays. I'll find out what's going on Monday afternoon.

I may take a break from riding until then. As of now, I am still wanting to participate in the Savannah Century, pending what the diagnosis is. I just think they are overworked. All is well.

Rachael

Peace and veggies!

[Jay]

Good luck with the knee pain. I hope that you are right about it just being from overuse.

Jay

[JimT]

I think taking some time off may be a good idea. Have someone look at your bike fit while you recoup, the fit looks about right but may want to have a pro do it.
If there's anything I can help you with buzz me up

Jim

[Rachael]

Thanks you guys!

I was talking to someone at work and they think it may have to do with the pedals and my regular running shoes that I wear when I bike. My feet do sometimes feel awkward, which would probably lead to an imbalance in my knees.

Who should I see to make sure my bike fits me properly?

I may need to get strapless pedals and some shoes, but I have really flat feet and am picky about the fit of shoes. Any recommendations?

[DoctorJD]

Thanks you guys!

I was talking to someone at work and they think it may have to do with the pedals and my regular running shoes that I wear when I bike. My feet do sometimes feel awkward, which would probably lead to an imbalance in my knees.

Who should I see to make sure my bike fits me properly?

I may need to get strapless pedals and some shoes, but I have really flat feet and am picky about the fit of shoes. Any recommendations?
When you do decide to go clipless, take a hard look at the Speedplay line. Their X-5's and "Light Action" pedals offer a bit of "float" giving those with bad knees a little more comfort. Or, you could go with the "Frogs" (their mtb pedal) and have a full range of float. Read the reviews on roadbikereview.com, people with bad knees love these pedals.

I also agree with Jim, you may want to get someone to check out your setup. Its amazing how a few mm in saddle height, fore/aft can change your power/comfort level.
JD

[Benny]

I would suggest you continue to work with your doctors and heed their advice over ours. With a history of knee problems before riding bicycles, we are not really qualified to know what is going on with your knees. Everything being said is good advice in general, but it may not apply to your particular situation.

[GiantJB]

Rachael,
Did you get your bike fitted to you when you bought it?
-Jordan

[Rachael]

Hey everyone,

I have some bad news. I just got back from the doctor and she explained to me that I have about 30% cartridge degeneration in my knees. So now I have arthritis in my neck, back, and now knees. She said the knees are due to a combination of my extremely flat feet and athleticism over the years. She hasn't told me to not ride my bike, but I do need to take it back to OO and get it fitted for me. She thinks that may be why they have been aggravated lately. I'll do that later in the week when I have time. I wont be able to ride my bike for a little while :( , but will as soon as I get the thumbs up. I may not be able to do the Savannah Century...as much as I really REALLY want to. We'll see how things pan out as times goes on.

Hopeful :)

Rachael

Peace and Veggies!

[Benny]

Sorry to hear that, Rachael. It might be worth the cost for you to get a professional bike fitting from someone trained and certified in dealing with the types of physiological factors your situation presents.

The guys at OO can do a good job of setting your bike up for what is normally correct saddle height, fore and aft adjustment and tilt and pedal position. That is a good starting place. But your specific condition may call for different setups than what would typically work.

[C.U. Allezter]

Benny's right Rachael. I don't have any training in bike fit. If you want to come by the shop, I'd be more than happy to go through a cursory fitting with you (since I wasn't around when you got your bike), just to make sure something isn't really off. Beyond that, you should seek out a shop that offers professional fitting (I'll try to help you there, too). Anyways, call me at the shop (478-452-3890) and we'll set up a time (it will at least be a good opportunity to get some free bike adjustments).

Adam

[GiantJB]

I am fairly certain that "The Bike Store" in macon (either location, im sure) offers professional fittings. They have trainers to put you on so that you can spin for a while before they adjust, and then to spin a little more afterwards. They specialize in Trek bikes, not Specialized, but that shouldnt be a problem.

Jesse, mentioned on the page, is one of the guys I talked with at the Macon store. Very helpful and knowledgable.

http://www.thebikestorewr.com/BIKEFIT.html

Aside from that, I hope you and your doctors can get you on a path to recovery so you can get back in the saddle soon.
-Jordan

[Benny]

Conte's Bicycles and Fitness Equipment in Conyers, GA also has a certified professional bike fitter.
http://contebikes.com/page.cfm?pageID=540

[MootsMan]

You might want to hook up with my wife, Janice, and have a knee conversation. She has bilateral chrondomalacia and arthritis. I'm certainly no doc but it sounds very similar to your situation. For her, absolutely correct KOPs (knee over pedal) position is essential. Also perfect saddle height and finally learning to spin a relatively high cadence with the proper gear selection for her road and mountain bike. And even with these problems, she can still at 50 race and get a podium call. We've worked through this for years so you might want to benefit from her experience.

[Rachael]

Thank ya'll for all the encouragment and advice! It is REALLY helpful. I'll ask around at some of the places with professional fitters that ya'll recommended. My knees are still really sore. I hope to get back into some sort of routine again in a few weeks. Fingers crossed!

...and I miss my bike homies!! :)

[Benny]

Rachael,
I'll let you know how to contact Janice when I see you at work next week. You should definitely take advantage of her first hand knowledge of dealing with a similar situation. You could only hope to ever become as strong and talented a rider as she is. She teaches me something every time we ride together.