what can i do

Have you seen a specialist for your condition?

I have bad arthritic deteroiation in my left knee due to injury years back. A total knee is in my not too far future. As the condition progresses, I have been able to compensate shrinking range of motion and pain in many ways.

1. Raise the saddle. This reduces the flexion in your leg at the top of the pedal stroke. This is a big one for me since I only have about 100 degrees of flexion.

2. Shorter crank arms. This reduces the maximum flexion and extension, if needed, through the pedal stroke. It also encourages a faster pedaling cadence.

3. Move cleats far back on the shoe (if you are using cleats). This reduces the flexion.

4. Increase cadence. Producing power at a faster cadence reduces the torque requirements of the legs. Less torque strains the knee less.

5. Ride more. I consider riding to be therapy, it works my knee through its entire range of motion and helps maintain it. I think if I were to ride less, the bone spurs and scar tissue would quickly rob me of more range. I have had several surgeons indicate that my exercise is "saving" my knee. Rides do not have to be hard, motion of the knee also circulates joint fluid. Building strong supporting muscles about the knee is also a benefit.

6. Lose weight, this is a biggie. Even 5 to 10 pounds is noticeable in the knees.

7. Try supplements. I take glucosamine daily. I am not convinced it helps, but at this point I will try anthing that has shown some clinical benefit.

8. NSAIDS - aspirin or Naproxen sodium. I take the latter daily.

9. Medical intervention - in the past I have had debridement, release and manipulation with some success. Lately I have had viscosupplementation. The joint injection is a quick procedure, if your doctor reccomends it and it is covered by your insurance it is worth a try.

10. Exercise - I have modified my strength training routine and do many physical therapy'ish exercises for my leg. Wall squats with an exercise ball are good to stretch it out and I can still get a good quad burn by holding heavy dumbells. Swimming also really loosens up my joints and makes my knee feel particularly good.

Chances are you are not cycling in a joint friendly way. A cushy seat can do more harm than good. Search out someone knowledgeable, like at a bike shop, a open casual group ride or a cycling event. Bring your bike along and show them how you ride. Bad positioning and equipment setup should be obvious.

Good Luck.