Something for my knees?

[BG]

I have what Gadro has/had.

I was first diagnosed with it 20 years ago and told to get into cycling (or swimming) and stop playing field hockey (ie no impact through the joints). I had 10 years off and physio helped. I got into bikes, but not riding them as much as tinkering with them - and I never could breathe underwater.

I'm back playing hockey and am putting up with the pain as I just cant shake playing! I never had any pain riding, but I never, and I mean never, get out of the saddle and mash the gears so that could explain it.

I'm interested in the simple surgery bit, as 20 years ago I was warned I was going to need major reconstruction if I want to keep playing at the level I was. I may have to go back and see a specialist to see about it now as the word 'major' scared me back then.

 

[The Ken]

I fixed my issues with Specialized Body geometry shoes - they have an angled footbed.
You could just get inserts to put in your current shoes but you might want a podiatrist to check your feet or work it out from here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_type
Inserts are about £20 off the shelf in the likes of boots.

 

[drystonepaul]

Alot of knee injuries which develop through use rather than from a specific incident are caused or aggravated by muscle imbalance.
For example tightness or over-developed muscles in the inner part of the quadricep (thigh) above the knee is common amongst cyclists. This can mean the the kneecap won't follow it's correct path while the knee joint bends, leading to soft tissue damage and pain.
I have problems with tight Iliotibial Band (ITB) which is a long tendonous band which essentially runs from hips to the back of the knee.
This has caused a Ilitibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBS or 'runner's knee') which manifests itself as a variety of pain's both under and over the kneecap.
Both my knees are affected, but both in different ways.

The key to successfully manage it is by being quite disciplined about stretching, particularly after riding or running, and focusing on ITB specific stretches.

A few years ago I did see a physiotherapist/sports masseur who initially diagnosed the problem, and showed me the correct way to perform stretches etc. I also do exercises to strengthen opposing muscles to balance out my super-human thighs...

To be honest, unless your GP is clued up on sports injuries, in my opinion you'd be best off finding a physio who deals with these sorts of things, and going to them directly. GP's will generally make a referral to an NHS physio anyway, who may or may not deal with sports injuries.
That said, if it turns out you require surgery you'd have to go to your GP anyway.

If surgery is part of the solution then it won't be as nasty as it sounds. A friend of mine was in training for a 24 hour - 76 mile fell-run in the Lake District last summer, and had to pull out due to a persistent knee problem. Turns out he had also developed Chondromalacia Patellae. He was booked in for key-hole surgery and still managed to sneak in a marathon two weeks before his appointment with the knife.
Anyway, two weeks afterwards he was already back out on the bike and could start running again after only four.

Whatever happens it's well worth getting your knees checked out, rather than masking problems with pain-killers and anti-inflamatorys.

You've only got a pair so look after them.

 

[Neil]

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Excellent post, there.

 

[drystonepaul]

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Excellent post, there.

Why thank you.

 

[uno-speedo]

What drystonepaul said.

I've been having pain in my right knee (stronger leg) at the front when I mash. Correcting my position on the bike, mainly saddle height and fore or aft position and spinning more has helped. Also exercises focused on my ITB have helped, stretching it before and after the ride. I now have no pain when cycling or walking up stairs. Probably jinxed myself now I've said that