Knees

[RCope47]

Hello all, I'm sure everyone has seen posts pertaining to this subject before, Ive been cycling for close to a year now, first on a new GT MTB, and my latest purchase, a Specialized Allez Sport triple. I'm 47, and to put it bluntly, my knees are ravaged from years of motorcycle dirt biking, torn ACL's both knees, one is totally shot, and will need replaced within the next 5 years or so. Anyway, this is the reason I took up cycling, low impact, and doesn't really bother my knees. I am really getting into the new road bike, and yesterday was my first ride over 20 miles, 21.2 to be exact. I felt good after I got done, felt I could have went further, but as the day went on, I started to get pretty sore, this morning, they feel a lot better. So my question is (and I know I need surgery, so don't go there) I really enjoy this new sport of mine, and ride as often as I can, is it OK to ride, say today, without compounding my problem, and work through it, or should I give them a couple days of recoup? I just started taking the Glucosamine/Chondroitin stuff to see if that may help, maybe just a shorter ride? any advice well taken.....

 

[jhuskey]

I think it's fine for you to ride but if you feel pain or sluggish just do a "recovery ride" shorter or slower or both.
I often times feel better on the second day when I do rides back to back.

 

[garage sale GT]

I had a stretched and torn ACL. I tried prolotherapy upon hearing that the Mayo Clinic and C. Everett Koop were interested in the procedure. I think it's an alternative therapy that is going mainstream.

My own experience was that my knee used to go out of joint while walking every few weeks, giving no warning until I weighted it and felt pain. After three treatments that just hasn't happened though it still feels just a bit unstable. I have not tested it to the extreme in any way though.

Try prolotherapy, or at least give it some research. It's supposed to help generate new connective tissue.

 

[jhuskey]

I cycled for years with a torn ACL and my leg got stonger and stable but last winter while skiing it blew out bad so I had surgey in February. Moral of the story is that you can cycle with a torn ACL but Skiing, Soccer and other sports can bad news with an unstable knee.

 

[RCope47]

I cycled for years with a torn ACL and my leg got stonger and stable but last winter while skiing it blew out bad so I had surgey in February. Moral of the story is that you can cycle with a torn ACL but Skiing, Soccer and other sports can bad news with an unstable knee.

I know.....thats why I'm on the bike.......just have some soreness, hope the arthritis isn't starting to set in....I'm bone on bone on the right knee

 

[jhuskey]

I know.....thats why I'm on the bike.......just have some soreness, hope the arthritis isn't starting to set in....I'm bone on bone on the right knee

I have been warned I will have arthritis in my left knee.Oh well, something else to look forward to but I am ok today.

 

[Bobo 1949]

Your problem could be, and let me re-emphasize the could in "could be", the way your cleats are installed on your shoes. Can't hurt to check with your LBS to make sure the setup is correct.
Also, a chiropractor has helped me with both shoulder and knee problems. My orthopaedic surgeon said, "yep, your shoulder is separated. It's a class 3. We'll operate if it keeps hurting." My chiropractor said, "here, let me put your shoulder back into place." Hurt like heck when he did it but felt better immediately afterward. The chiropractor did something similar with my right knee.

 

[alienator]

Since you've already got knee issues, you probably want to pay attention to what gears your using. If I were you, I'd stay away from mashing big gears at a low cadence. Instead, use slightly easier gears, so you can pedal faster (have a higher cadence.) Grinding big gears can take a toll on your knees.

 

[RCope47]

Your problem could be, and let me re-emphasize the could in "could be", the way your cleats are installed on your shoes. Can't hurt to check with your LBS to make sure the setup is correct.
Also, a chiropractor has helped me with both shoulder and knee problems. My orthopaedic surgeon said, "yep, your shoulder is separated. It's a class 3. We'll operate if it keeps hurting." My chiropractor said, "here, let me put your shoulder back into place." Hurt like heck when he did it but felt better immediately afterward. The chiropractor did something similar with my right knee.

You know, I have been to this great chiropractor a couple years ago for an unrelated ailment, maybe I should look him up....

 

[gman0482]

I have a hip problem, so I went to a chiropractor some months ago. After a couple of months of useless visits and exercises, where all I did was get the heat pad massage and do some stretches, I stopped going, and went to my GP. He in turn made me an appointment to see a Musculoskeletal specialist, which I haven't gone to yet. Most likely some cortisone shots and a possible surgery.

IMO, if I have any health problem, I will only go to someone who has MD (or better) at the end of their name for initial steps

-Greg

 

[dhk2]

Agree with Alienator that cadence is important for keeping the high loads off the knees. My other advice would be to take it easy on both volume and intensity if you have knee pains. Backing off at the first sign of pain is often the easiest and best cure, but it's surprising how many people resist doing this in the belief that their "training will suffer". The body can heal and get stronger if it's given the time to adapt and grow stronger without constantly re-stressing or re-injuring the same joints.