How to Prevent Cycling Knee Problems
If you are a fan of cycling, you may find that over time you develop problems with your knees. In order to prevent these knee problems there are a couple of things that you can do to reduce the risk of injury.
- Visit a bike shop during the off-season to have your bike professionally fitted.
- Purchase pedals that can rotate.
- Warm up before cycling. Your warm up should be slow and be done over an extended period.
- Wear knee covers when the weather is below 70 degrees.
- Stretch the calves and hamstrings.
- Visit a podiatrist to get orthoics. These help to prevent the flattening of the foot.
- Have the saddle raised to the proper position. A low saddle can result in pain at the front of the knee. The proper position allows the leg to bend slight during the bottom of a pedal stroke. A saddler that is too high can result in overextension in the knee and cause the back of the knee to be in pain.
- Use a lower gear when riding to help train the knees and lower the amount of stress placed on them.
- Stop cycling when you begin to feel any knee discomfort. Do not try to push through the discomfort or pain, doing so can result in more serious damage to the knee.
- Take short, regular training rides if you are just getting started in cycling.
- Purchase inserts for your shoes if your feet are naturally unleveled.