|   Knee ligament soreness | Karl
Jan 2, 2003 1:39 PM | | I'm getting worried.
Just started racing last summer (2x 3rds in beginner cat) and moving into sport this year. However, on my left leg only, the medial collateral ligament (the ligament on the right side (i.e. inside) of the knee joint that stops it going too far inwards) has become sore over the last 2 months whenever I cycle hard. Each time, I rest it for a couple of days and the soreness is gone. Never had this problem before.
I don't know whether this is due to cleat wear/ excessive float (Time Atacs), using an indoor trainer for the past 3 months (pedals are 1.5cm closer than on the mountain bike) or increased mileage. But if it's relevant, the troubled left lower leg is 4mm shorter than the right lower leg, and my right leg is more powerful than my left.
What do you suggest? a shorter 170mm crank for this left leg (both 175mm currently), change cleat position, change to a pedal with less float, concentrate on solitary left leg pedalling to strengthen it... or am I just being hyper-sensitive to natural body adaptations to increased loads?
If race performances are determined by off season training, I'll be screwed this year the way things are going. So, any advice would be really appreciated. |
| re: Knee ligament soreness | JMAC
Jan 2, 2003 2:24 PM | | Ya i have i similar problem it just might be from overuse my petela tedon the one that all your quad attach to is really swallen from over use and it hurts i've stopped doing weights with it and had a rest week just last week and hasn't gotten any better. I think you should go to doctor. Maybe you should take a week off and see if it gets better i know i should. |
| You probably have forefoot varus | fast
Jan 2, 2003 3:35 PM | | Almost 90% of all people have whats called forefoot varus. Forefoot varus describes a tendancy for your forefoot to be pronated, or 'turned in' relative to your heel. You can estimate it sitting on a desk or table and letting your feet dangle. Look to see if the outside of your forefoot hangs slightly lower than the inside. Chances are it does. So how does this cause knee pain?? Picture placing your canted foot on a flat surface such as a pedal. With no force, only the outside would touch. However, when you apply pressure, the inside drops in, causing your knee to move inwards toward the frame. You may notice this when you ride that on the down stroke your knee is close to the frame. This puts a lot of stress on the medial side of the knee. Ideally, the center of your knee should be directly over your second toe.
To correct this, you can try using some big meat wedges that fill the gap under your cleat to correct for forefoot varus. Check out www.bicyclefit.com. You can order some wedges that should help. Or you could consider seeing a professional. There are links on the website to bicycle fitters in your area.
Good luck, and dont neglect your knees. Cycling should be a knee friendly sport and knee pain should be dealt with early to prevent chronic issues. |
| Thanks for the advice | Karl
Jan 2, 2003 4:35 PM | | You're absolutely bang on, Fast- what you say totally fits in place now.
Sure enough, my left foot does tilt more than my right and this explains why a pair of my walking shoes show more angled wear at the heel of the left shoe than the right one. The site you recommend says "the body compensates for this [forefoot varus] with a lateral (side to side) motion of the knee during the pedal cycle"- I used to wonder why my left knee 'wobbles' at the top of the stroke.
Guess this pain only came to light after putting on 100+ miles per week.
Anyway, you've just saved me costs in physiotherapy/ 170mm left hand crank/ shimano spd's... I can't thank you enough, Fast.
Here's wishing you a great 2003. |
| try glucosomine as well. nm | mooseknuckle
Jan 3, 2003 11:05 AM | | nm |
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