Help on knee / back pain

[Aramis7]

Hi all, hope someone can help me w/ this issue

I'm a recreational cyclist, an my routine is generally a saturday fast ride with the bunch, 1-2 roller sessions during the week and maybe the ocasional Sunday recovery ride. Nothing out of the ordinary. all up, i must do about 120 Km a week average. I'm 40

Over the last few months I developed a weird set of symptoms that show up mainly when riding long hills or when hammering on the sat ride (e.g. lots of effort). My symptoms are:

- Sore Right knee (knee cap)
- Sore Right side of my back (around middle of the torso)
- Sore LEFT elbow (?!)

I do have one leg shorter than the other (by about 7 mm...not much). I've tried adjusting the seat position (up/down and front/back) but with no significant results.

My question to you is : who would be the right person to go to to resolve this? Bike fitter? Physio? Sports Doctor? Chiro?

Also, if you do have any clue of what could be wrong...that's be much appreciated as well

thanks!

[G-Ride]

If your correct about the 7mm leg difference whilst not much to the eye that is a lot when it comes to significant cycling loads and requires proper correction - it could well be the cause of all your issues given the balance implications. I would be looking to a decent bike fitter (someone like Steve Hogg) to assess and correct your setup particularly shoes but also work to with a physio to resolves existing problems.

Until then don't push it otherwise you could cause more damage and lose the enjoyment of your cycling.

[Cycotic]

My question to you is : who would be the right person to go to to resolve this? Bike fitter? Physio? Sports Doctor? Chiro?

Try a personal trainer who also does injury rehab training. If you let us know your location, we may be able to recommend someone in your area.

Get your "one leg longer than the other" properly diagnosed. I always thought I had this condition, but recently did some personal training to help with my running. My trainer specialises in injury rehab and immediately diagnosed hip flexibility issues related to a back injury 25 years ago. My legs are in fact identical in length, but the problem was alignment through the hips and into the back. I've been cycling without any major issues for 6 years, but now with the rehab I'm gaining speed up the hills.

You shouldn't get joint pain when cycling (or any other form of exercise). It means there's something not quite right. Get it sorted before it turns into an injury.

[Redbull]

Over the last few months I developed a weird set of symptoms that show up mainly when riding long hills or when hammering on the sat ride

This - because it is a stress greater than you normally handle. You need to build to these requirements rather than riding rollers and a weekend ride.

More hills (not such taxing ones) and slowly increase the intensity when you start to hammer during the week will sustain you better for harder efforts.

[sumgy]

Try using Steve Hogg's site.
I had a chronic back/hip/knee injury on one side (sounds similar to what you are experiencing minus the elbow) for 2 years. Turned out it was from a too high saddle.
Between Chiro and massage (recommended by Steve) and adjustment of my seat height and setback using Steve's method I am now pain free.

Read his blog entries in this order:

The right side bias
Seat Height, how hard can it be
Seat set back for road bikes
Addendum to road pedals, which are best
Power to the Pedal - Cleat Position
Foot Correction Part 1

Also read "Perspectives on Fitting".

[Aramis7]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Also forgot to mention that I get a tingling sensation on my right foot as well, so... I'll take the advise and start by going to a sports / injuries GP I'm familiar with.

Steve's website looks like its got loads of info...cool

I'm in Perth btw.

Thanks again

cheers