Top Sirloin said:Your problem is likely having cycling as your only form of leg exercise.
You're either a)only using your knees through the upper portion of their range of motion, and the
resulting muscular imbalance is likely pulling your patella to the outside, or b) have really weak
hamstrings, because cycling for most people emphasizes quadricep development. The solution for a)
is deep back and front squats in good form to strengthen your vastus lateralus, and for b) some
But with the pink dumbells, right? You don't wanna get muscle-bound, or too toned?
Quoted message said:leg curls, time on the glute-ham raise (with weight), and some romanian or stiff-legged deadlifts.
Actually at the end of each ride, which is near a wooden bridge near my house, I do a bunch of BW
squats, calf raises, and holding onto the rail, stretch out to a full 'good morning' start position,
arms straight, and then a ham stretch. Makes good sense about the imbalance. This is in addition to
my workouts at the gym, by the way... ;-)
I'd suggest that this is not too common, b/c lots of ppl do mostly bike for their legs. But if you
have symptoms, good place to look. Most ppl immediately think the clips are torquing the lower leg
or overuse.
I might add...Do NOT believe the docs who say you have arthritis.
<rant> All orthopods are morons. Orthopedic surgeons only want to replace your joints or cut on you
to buy themselves big screen TVs and Benzes.
The diagnosis of arthritis is _meaningless_ from a simple x-ray. You need -at least- two xrays, one
from your younger, normal knee, and the one they take at diagnosis. And you need an MRI, and at
least 3-4 alternate/additional opinions, especially if you're young and normally active. See an
arthritis specialist, a sports med doc, and a physical therapist. Here, Scott gave you a valuable
opinion, and one that a good physical therapist might give. They actually see and work with people
and often know more 'real-world' advise than a guy who spends his days in the OR.
All it takes is a thinner than normal cartilage layer for them to pigeon-hole you and say it's
arthritis for them, that's the -definition- of arthritis.
In addition, they will only tell you -after- you get your joint replaced that such surgery doesn't
guarantee you relief, recovery, or any freaking thing at all. In fact if they make a mistake and
replace your hip, but the problem was a pinched nerve or some spondylosis in your spine, they just
say 'oh, well, too bad for you'. <\rant>
Thx Scott.
-B
PS, someone else will chip in with the glucosamine - chondroiton info. ;-)
