Hi all,

I have recently started to experience constant and long-lasting soreness primarily in the muscles behind the knee and also to a lesser extent 'through' the knee (ie under the knee-cap) following cycling. I cycle an 11-mile commute two or three times per week, and have done so for several months now with no problems. I have generally replaced running with these bike trips, but am generally fit.

While I've previously had soreness under the kneecap from running, this kind of sustained, 'all-around' soreness (especially at the back of the knee) is completely new to me and very uncomfortable. Any thoughts would be very welcome!

From a cyclist and runner, with occasional knee problems, my initial thoughts are:

a) have you had a bike fitting done? Poor positioning can kill the knees, particularly saddle height and also peddle positioning.

b) do you use cleats, straps or normal pedals? Again, feet positioning and cleat 'give' can permanently twist the knee(s), both feet don't necessarily the require the same position.

c) do you warm your knees up, and thighs / calves beforehand? Cold muscles pull on knee ligaments and cartridge etc adding pain. Wear 3/4 length shorts or bibs to permanently keep them covered and warm.

d) do you push hard from the outset, or hill climb? Again, legs and ultimately knees can take a while to 'warm up' and you can push to hard without them being ready; for some people, low gears are better to start off to allow less pressure on knees whilst spinning them warm.

Just initial thoughts that have become a list of things I've changed or been aware of to protect my 'old man knees'.

Good luck!

Dan

Dan, thanks so much for your detailed suggestions and sorry for the delay in saying thanks

I think the main issue was a change in saddle (and therefore slight change in sitting angle and seat height), made worse by my bike generally breaking down.

Best wishes,

Harry