Ouch, My Knees Hurt
Last week I rode to College of San Mateo, careful to be kind to my knees. But yet again I injured my knees riding my bike. Ow, it hurts. It’s this horribly nonspecific pain, more like a tingling gone horribly wrong. When it’s in full swing, it feels more like a “worry” that at each step something in me is on the verge of breaking badly. Thinking about where the sensation is coming from, I imagine it’s cartilage damage that heals over a 2 week period.
The mode of pain is really weird. If, for example I walk 100 yards, it’s not until 10 minutes later that the pain will come on moderately for about 4 hours. If I walk 1/2 mile, 10 minutes later the pain will come on strong for about 24 hours. That delay is really weird. The pain started gently a day after riding to CSM (obviously when the injury happened) and here we are 7 days later and I’m still very sensitive to any stresses on my knees.
In the past year I’ve hurt my knees about 3 times. Each time I make a further effort to be more careful so it doesn’t happen again. But apparently I haven’t done a good job of it.
The worst injury was after riding up Berkeley Hills, then the next day riding hard again, then again the next. The NEXT day the pain set in and I was nearly bedridden for a week.
I would like to take the advice of my mother on the matter, “Getting old sucks. Don’t do it.”
Next time, I’ll regale you about my slight tinnitus, my arms falling asleep while in bed, my sore throats from snoring, and the further adventures of Oliver my eye floater.
I will say again, “Sounds like you need a good Occupational Therapist”.
Also, are your legs at full extension when you’re at the bottom of your pedal stroke? It’s probably too easy, but that would certainly make your knees hurt.
Darn it Michael, you hit it. My seat post had been the perfect height but it became loose and the seat has been slowly sliding down! My seat was too low!!! Argh! I’m having trouble getting my Pinhead Locks seatpost clamp tight enough.
Did us clamping down on the post help any? Do we have to break out the big guns?
I’m not sure yet. I haven’t ridden lately. I’m planning on asking for help at some local bike shops.
The ride where I injured my knees happened June 17th.
On July 4th, my knees were at about 90%. I walked 1/2 mile and it just felt a little weird, not painful. I’d occasionally feel odd little twinges.
Today, July 9th, my knees are at about 95%. I barely notice any difference. My knees could be stronger, but I’m OK with that. Maybe a little tightness in my calves from all the walking gingerly for 3 weeks.
I’ve got to stop injuring my knees on my bike! I’m pretty sure the problem came because my seat post slipped all the way down and I didn’t notice. (because, well, I adjusted it to the perfect spot and it was supposed to stay there!)