Sore Butt

Shades said:

.... It is at the top of the right leg and into my backside. It basically just goes into spasm and feels quite painful at times....

Sounds like a hip issue. Might be poor bike fit, an overuse injury or a preview of some bigger problem. Make sure your saddle isn't too high or too low (check various threads on bike fit, consult your LBS, a book, or set your saddle to bottom bracket height to ~ 85-89% of your inseam length). Assuming your saddle is somewhere near that range and your hips aren't rocking side to side when you pedal you might consider a medical checkup. Your solution might be as simple as a stretching program or you might have more serious issues, but the area you describe (top of right leg into backside) is basically your right hip joint and its associated muscles so it would be a good idea to rule out serious issues. Never ignore pain, it's a warning sign that could be trivial or serious, but you won't know if you don't look into it.

Good luck,
-Dave

It is very likely that it's the other way around: it's actually your hip that has caused your knee problem. New research-I have been told by couple of doctors and physical therapists-shows that many knee injuries are caused by hip issues, like muscle imbalance, tight hips, etc. etc.

I have L knee issues which stem from hip imbalance that is caused by flatter L foot. Because of all the imbalances, I "over use" my L quads muscle and feel it in/above/around my knee.

I'd do the all of any of the following depending how much riding you do:

1. Get professionally bike fitted

2. Have a physical therapist look at you walk, move, and get his/her opinion on your muscle balance. Get some exercises that work on the specific imbalance that you have and do them regularly

3. Streach regularly

4. Get a foam roller and use it for all your lower body muscle groups-specifically the hip that hurts

5. Get deep tissue massage regularly-at least for the time you are experiencing the pain.

Yeah I know, it would be really nice if we had the resources and time for all of the above...