Cyclist Knee Pain

You may experience knee pain from biking. According to Cycling Performance Tips, "Knee and hip pain are the most common cycling injuries." Fortunately, they are easy to heal and even prevent.

Overuse

• Cyclist knee pain is usually a result of overuse. It is a result of doing too much too soon. According to the Bigkneepain.com, "When muscles and tendons are stressed even slightly beyond their capabilities, microscopic tears occur."

Causes

• Knee pain can stem from a number of causes. They include faulty saddle height or position, excessive cranking, using extreme gears, working out your legs too much, cleat alignment and your individual anatomy.

Prevention/Solution

• Preventing cyclist knee pain is easy. According to Cycling Performance Tips, "In order to minimize knee and hip pain in the early season, take it easy for the first few weeks--pedal with low resistance and keep that cadence up to at least 80-90 rpm, allowing your body to adjust again to road riding."

Treatment

• Most knee pain will get better if you use the RICE method. Rest and ice the knee, especially after biking. Use knee braces for support and compression, and keep the knee elevated whenever you lie or sit down.

Caution

• See a doctor if the pain gets worse; your knee looks deformed or is excessively swollen and red; you get no relief from self-care treatment after a week; or you cannot put weight on the leg.