Knee Pain

agreed this sounds like quadriceps insertion inflamed - enthesitis is the word I think. Along with achilles and biceps tendons one of the things you really don't want to hurt seriously as fixing surgically is triscky. http://imaging.consult.com/topic/Quadriceps-Tendon-Rupture/S1933-0332(06)70951-X seems to describe the common mechanism of injury - in layman's terms trying to straighten a flexed knee against too high a force. being an utter fakenger I'm no expert but this sounds like the sort of injury sustained with skidding fixed (or in a lesser way by gunning a high ratio. Never easy to give internet advice but a run-of-the-mill doctor is unlikely to understand the difference between cycling and cycling fixed (never mind skidding). A physio will be able to help in diagnosis and treatment. A sports medicine doctor will probably clarify the diagnosis and recommend further investigations. These are often best accessed through a physio too although your GP can refer you to a knee clinic thru the NHS.

hope this is helpful.
doc_si

you coming tag this week? i wanna hit up the limehouse link!

Yes I am most definitely coming tag this weekend!

agreed this sounds like quadriceps insertion inflamed - enthesitis is the word I think. Along with achilles and biceps tendons one of the things you really don't want to hurt seriously as fixing surgically is triscky. http://imaging.consult.com/topic/Quadriceps-Tendon-Rupture/S1933-0332(06)70951-X seems to describe the common mechanism of injury - in layman's terms trying to straighten a flexed knee against too high a force. being an utter fakenger I'm no expert but this sounds like the sort of injury sustained with skidding fixed (or in a lesser way by gunning a high ratio. Never easy to give internet advice but a run-of-the-mill doctor is unlikely to understand the difference between cycling and cycling fixed (never mind skidding). A physio will be able to help in diagnosis and treatment. A sports medicine doctor will probably clarify the diagnosis and recommend further investigations. These are often best accessed through a physio too although your GP can refer you to a knee clinic thru the NHS.

hope this is helpful.
doc_si

honestly, that was a lot more helpful than the doctor.

cheers mate!

no worries - hope it settles.

doc_si

No one mentioned it, but I take Glucosamine MSM & CMO for my joint pain. I have been skateboarding since I was 7 and traded the board for the bike 2 years ago. I had been having knee pain since high school from cross country, polevaulting, and 10+ years of skating by that time. I starting taking Glucosamine and my joint pain disappeared. Since I have started riding fixed the top of my knee has been bothering me as well. So I ordered some off the internet (can't get it vegan in these parts) and the pain is gone. You might try it. They have it at drug stores here in the States. It basically contains cartilage, if you get the non-vegan type, and it will actually regrow cartilage.

Could this be the way to ease knee jip??

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nBh3ONnZnlQ/SJxtgYKjpaI/AAAAAAAABxM/uSkzs5T5824/s1600/sailbike1.jpg

Dupe, see the bike porn thread.

evolve stronger knees.

or flatter planets?

or fit brakes and a freewheel.

That body sail thing would kill your knees if you used it fixed. A gust of wind and your legs would be spinning faster than a spin drier on laundry day. The chap in the picture is understandably riding a geared bike with a free wheel.

or fit brakes and a freewheel.

and perhaps a selection of different toothed cogs with that freewheel. And some special mechanism to change between them without flipping the wheel! Wow, imagine that. I'd definitely go for that.

ISO3200, you're not the only one to suffer from skateboarding, I've been having trouble with my right knee and think it's down to skating everywhere when I was younger as my right knee was my pushing knee. My driving instructor told me he taught a professional skateboarder to drive and he had trouble learning to use the clutch because of his knee.

I've just started getting back into cycling but despite one doctor telling me cycling will help my knee trouble it seems to inflame it, I ache for days after cycling and my knee feels "hot" so to speak. I've had 3 doctors say 3 different things about it but it's never been x-rayed or anything like that. I'm planning on getting it looked at by a specialist but don't know who to approach, would a physio or osteo be the best person to look at my knee?

Hah! I was going to ask someone about this. Ages ago I had a bad sailing accident and my knees are a wee bit effed (the caps don't align properly) however the last few days have been agony, last night I had real difficulty getting up, sitting down and getting in bed (getting out is always hard). It is cracking and popping alot and is really annoying.

This morning cycling in it was popping on each revolution and making my calf tense as feck. what do you think peeps?

doctor vs internet "cycling" forum
[/flips coin]

forum anyday, doctors don't do anything. failing that pub!

Are you stretching before and after your rides? Takes less than 5 min and can make a big difference. You just need to do three strethches; quad's, calves and hamstrings. Also have you tried a neoprene knee support/tubegrip? One of those can help loads too.

I agree, doctors are crap. I have long term back injury, when i first did it doctor told me to take some pain killers and it would go in a few days - still have the problem 2 yrs later

They sell Glucosamine in Holland and Barrett I have strted taking it as I have problems with my knee. I also had an MRI scan done and have fluid in the knee which could be caused by excess secretion from the synovium.

I am on pills to take the swelling down but it does seem to taking a long time.

Are you stretching before and after your rides? Takes less than 5 min and can make a big difference. You just need to do three strethches; quad's, calves and hamstrings. Also have you tried a neoprene knee support/tubegrip? One of those can help loads too.

I agree, doctors are crap. I have long term back injury, when i first did it doctor told me to take some pain killers and it would go in a few days - still have the problem 2 yrs later

doctors aren't crap.
you just have a crap doctor.
find a good doctor who will give you a referral to a specialist and get it looked at.

Doctors are restricted by budget and will try to prescribe you pills first, if you tell the Doctor that you want a referral to see a specialist then they can't refuse you.

I was getting a twinge from the inside of my right knee when pushing away from rest. I found some advice on t'internet (would link but can't find the bugger know). Sit on something tall enough for your legs to dangle, sit as far forward as you can, so your legs just hang, the toe in/out angle of your feet is the one to set your cleats too (or to just put your feet down at, if using clips). I tried it and was surprised that my right foot hung more toe in the the left. I set my cleats to match and haven't had a twinge since. Other thing to remember, with clips or clipless, is to use the upstroke to pull instead of pushing on the down (not a long term solution, but can get you home with less pain)

Drs

If its a GP you are seeing then they are generalists -
Painkillers and rest are probably the right intervention

If the problem is persistent then you need a specialist DR or Physio. NHS waits are now not too bad, but you may not end up seeing some one who has a sports medicince back ground and who won't understand why you wany to ride a bike with no gears etc ....

Try a sports phyiso clinic in stead and perhaps review saddle height etc ..

I've seen three doctors about my knee and been told three different things which really didn't fill me with confidence, and not knowing much about medicine I didn't know which sort of specialist I should be seeking. Thankfully I've had an osteopath recommended to me by a friend and I've booked a consultation for this Saturday. Fingers crossed he'll be able to help.

Osteopaths don't really do knees

Try a sports physio

This guy does sports injuries including knees and his website says "joint and muscle discomfort ". Seeing as osteopathy is the study of the bodys musculoskeletal system I'm hoping he can help, or if not will be able to advise me on who can.