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Question
19 Jan 2006
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Sore knees
Hi,
I've recently taking up cycling (approx. 7 months now). I seem to have terrible pains in my knees - one is worse than the other. When I walk down/ up stairs or bend I can hear a clicking/ crunching sound. Sometimes the pain goes down the back of my leg to mid-calf. Some days are better than others. Do I see a GP or a physio about this. I would like to get it sorted before it hinders the rest of my life!
I've recently taking up cycling (approx. 7 months now). I seem to have terrible pains in my knees - one is worse than the other. When I walk down/ up stairs or bend I can hear a clicking/ crunching sound. Sometimes the pain goes down the back of my leg to mid-calf. Some days are better than others. Do I see a GP or a physio about this. I would like to get it sorted before it hinders the rest of my life!
My favourite participatory sport!
As we get older we get more non-specific clicks and clunks in the knee and they are, as they say in the hitchhiker's guide; Mostly harmless.
The interesting thing here is that the pain is bilateral, which suggests a biomechanical (The way we walk) type of problem.
The important thing is the main site of the pain. If it is lateral(on the outside) of both knees that could mean an Ilio tibial band problem. That is mainly treated by stretching programmes.
If the pain is more ill-defined or below the knee cap it is more likely to be a Patello femoral problem. That is treated by strengthening the inner thigh muscles. This is due to the outer thigh muscles being stronger than the inner thigh ones, thus pulling the patella /kneecap out and causing it to move in an abnormal manner, causing pain.
Obviously there may be other causes but the pain is likely to be from one of these two causes.
It would be a good idea to see a sport physio or physician for an assessment and given appropriate exercises.
good luck and see you at the Argus!
As we get older we get more non-specific clicks and clunks in the knee and they are, as they say in the hitchhiker's guide; Mostly harmless.
The interesting thing here is that the pain is bilateral, which suggests a biomechanical (The way we walk) type of problem.
The important thing is the main site of the pain. If it is lateral(on the outside) of both knees that could mean an Ilio tibial band problem. That is mainly treated by stretching programmes.
If the pain is more ill-defined or below the knee cap it is more likely to be a Patello femoral problem. That is treated by strengthening the inner thigh muscles. This is due to the outer thigh muscles being stronger than the inner thigh ones, thus pulling the patella /kneecap out and causing it to move in an abnormal manner, causing pain.
Obviously there may be other causes but the pain is likely to be from one of these two causes.
It would be a good idea to see a sport physio or physician for an assessment and given appropriate exercises.
good luck and see you at the Argus!
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