Any Orthopedics on here or cyclist dealing with Arthritis behind the knee cap that can provide some insight to this new diagnosis for me? And what changes and things I should consider now with this diagnosis.
Mike
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I have the same, hyaluronic acid shots made a world of difference. My knees never really hurt but I felt them all the time after a ride, and the days following.
Yes mine never hurt during the ride unless somehow I got into too much felxion at the top of the pedal stroke. Always after and a few days later going up and down steps and squatting. One suggestion I have been told is shorter crank arms to open the knee angle up at the top of the pedal stroke. Going to my fitter to see what he thinks about that.
The Dr did recommend that shot also. But I am going to try the crank arms and strengthening exercises also at the hip and legs in the gym. I neglected those the last few years and now that I am 40 things such as past wear and tear from college athletics seem to be catching up to me
+ 1 for shorter cranks.
I run 165mm on both road and TT bike, and currently looking a new bike which has 172.5mm, took it for a 90 minute ride yesterday, and the knee’s definitely noticed that extra length.
(Saddle height was the same from the bottom of the cranks, and same offsets etc)
You could also consider looking into some dietary changes if you haven’t already, lower inflammatory foods etc 
Have made a switch to anti inflammatory foods. Definetly body as a whole feels better. Knees feel the same.
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Did you switch to shorter cranks for that reason?
How long have you been dealing with it and do the shots wear off?
Roughly 3 years… anti inflammatory food made it feel better but didn’t make it go away. Just got the shots this month for 1st time… a friend of mine has been getting them for years he is the reason I went to doctor. They suggest every 6 months.
Did Antelope yesterday, that would have really bothered me pre shots.
My fitter moved me up and forward on the bike and suggested 170mm cranks instead of the 175mm I run. I never did the cranks. But my knees feel better.
He also got me to put plus 4 pedals on and changed my shoe brand but I believe that was for my hips.
Yep, switched to shorter cranks to reduce the hip/knee angles on recommendation of a fitter.
Good to know everyone. It was kind of weird being told I have arthritis. I like to still think of myself as a 20 year old even though I am 40 now. I just want to still be able to ride my bike as pain free as possible.
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It’s weird how it doesn’t hurt during a ride. Just really sore that night and the next couple days. Did you have your cartilage smoothed out or just left it as is?
Did you make any other adjustments to your fit to help?
I get those injections too but more to be able to run. Cycling rarely bothers my knees
Age 44 here, and I have tricompartmental osteoarthritis in my knees. So I feel your pain. A solid Saturday workout of 90 minutes on the trainer can wipe my knees out till Monday. And If I forget to take my arthritis meds? Forget about it.
I am 6’4” and have been looking at shortening my crank arms. While I was window shopping, I saw some pedal extenders and was going to research whether for not having my feet shifted that extra inch to the outside would help my knees (idea being to clean up the line of knee tracking).
Does anyone have any insight on that, one way or another?
Q factor can make a difference for sure. the big goal to get your feet, knees and hips to line up. If you have a fitter close by that does a RETUL or similar fit id get that done. If they are knowledgeable they should be able to get that done for you. Probably will make a huge difference for you as well with your pain.
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As you age having a wider Q is beneficial, Shimano do a wider Q factor version of the Ultegra SPD SL pedal, its only 4mm but that can be enough for many people!
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Might also look into Time pedals - the cleats can be used on the “wrong” shoe to add a few mm of Q factor. They also have lateral float, not just angular.
That being said, they haven’t made a huge difference in how my knee feels (yet?).
anyone try crb cream?
Common problem, patellofemoral syndrome. Fancy name for wear and tear of articular cartilage behind knee cap. Often can be chronic, but helped. Bike fit should ensure proper leg extension at dead bottom center. The angle should be between 25-30 degrees, measured by skilled bike fitter with goniometer. Medical treatment short course of anti-inflammatories, stretching quads, hamstrings, iliotibial band, and glutes. Ice after exercise. Important to do short arc quad exercises with only slight knee bend, to strengthen VMO, strengthen glute abductors, extensors. Try to pedal with good technique, circles. Capsaicin topical can help block pain signals, but needs to be used regularly to be helpful. You can also try glucosamine/chondroitin but needs to be taken for a couple of months, to see if it helps. PRP injections, are not proven, or covered by insurance, but there has been evidence that it might help some patients.
Also, bicycling foot orthotics, cleat adjusted so ball of first toe at center of spindle of bike pedal, you can also try moving cleat behind from this position. Hope this advice is helpful, but find skilled sports medicine physician, physical therapist, bike fitter, to implement treatment. Let me know how you do. Avoid any deep knee bend strengthening exercises, squats, lunges, which put tremendous force on patellofemoral joint.
This is my experience as a bicyclist, who has an arthritic knee affecting my
medial compartment, and patellofemoral joint.
Often can be chronic, but helped. Bike fit should ensure proper leg extension at dead bottom center. The angle should be between 25-30 degrees, measured by skilled bike fitter with goniometer. Medical treatment short course of anti-inflammatories, stretching quads, hamstrings, iliotibial band, and glutes. Ice after exercise. Important to do short arc quad exercises with only slight knee bend, to strengthen VMO, strengthen glute abductors, extensors. Try to pedal with good technique, circles. Capsaicin topical can help block pain signals, but needs to be used regularly to be helpful. You can also try glucosamine/chondroitin but needs to be taken for a couple of months, to see if it helps. PRP injections, are not proven, or covered by insurance, but there has been evidence that it might help some patients.
Also, bicycling foot orthotics, cleat adjusted so ball of first toe at center of spindle of bike pedal, you can also try moving cleat behind from this position. Hope this advice is helpful, but find skilled sports medicine physician, physical therapist, bike fitter, to implement treatment. Let me know how you do. Avoid any deep knee bend strengthening exercises, squats, lunges, which put tremendous force on patellofemoral joint. Sit on table high enough so feet do not touch floor. Observe your natural alignment of foot and ankle. This is usually heel in, this is the same position you should be in when you snap into your pedals.
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