Cycling, done properly, is much less stressful to the knees than many other aerobic activities, since there's no impact involved. Nevertheless, knee injuries do occur, usually as a result of poor technique or position.
Gear Selection
A principal cause of knee problems is over-stress as the result of using too high a gear. For more on this, see my article on Gear Shifting.
Saddle Height
Another common cause of knee problems is incorrect saddle adjustment, particularly if the saddle is too low. *Edit( knee should be only slightly bent at the bottom of th peddle stroke the is another section from this link on adjusting seat height*)
Cleat Adjustment
Some knee problems result from incorrect placement of shoe cleats. Everybody has a natural angle that each of their feet prefers to be at; some are duck-footed, some are pigeon-toed, whatever. When you walk or ride with plain pedals, your foot assumes this angle, and everything is hunky-dory. If you use cleated shoes and matching pedals, it is important that the cleat is adjusted so as to permit your foot to be at its natural angle. If your cleats are misadjusted, the resulting twist on your lower leg will affect the alignment of the knee joint, and cause serious problems.
This is less of an issue if you ride pedals with "float" (limited rotational freedom) in the cleat attachment. Most newer clipless pedals offer at least some float.
The N.E.C.A. Fit-Kit © includes a cleat adjustment procedure called the "R.A.D." (Rotational Adjustment Device) which is very worthwhile for "problem" cleat fittings.
Lateral Movement--Chondromalacia
The knee joint is basically a ball-and-socket joint, with the ball at the bottom of the femur and the socket at the top of the shinbone. A common cycling-related injury is called "chondromalacia", and has to do with irritation of the cartilage pad in the "socket" which provides lubrication for this joint. Reputedly, an edge of this cartilage can get turned up and dog-eared, causing irritation and inflamation.
Chondromalacia is often blamed on lateral movement of the joint, and a common prescription is to strengthen the quadriceps muscles which run along the front of the thigh and along side the front of the kneecap. It is these muscles which provide lateral positioning for the joint. The usual exercise prescribed for this is to sit in a chair with one leg at a time held out straight, unsupported. Sometimes it is suggested to place a pillow or other weight on the foot for this exercise.
Something the doctors don't seem to think of suggesting, but which really helped me a lot, is to make a concious effort to avoid lateral knee movement during the pedal stroke. Watch your knees as you ride (in a low-traffic setting!) They should move up and down as you pedal, with no sideward motion. Many cyclists have a sideways hitch in their pedaling motion, which I believe is a major contributor to chondromalacia. If you pay occasional attention to this, it doesn't take long to train yourself to keep the knees in line.
Long Cranks
The longer your cranks are, the farther your knees will have to flex on each stroke. Different riders will have different amounts of flexibility in this regard, but riding with longer cranks than you are used to can definitely cause problems.
Almost direct quote from sheldon brown
2007-04-25 11:18:10
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answer #1
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answered by Glenn B 7
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Find out where the seat needs to be. Too high will make the back of the knee sore. Too low will make the front of the knee hurt. How to measure. Put your pedal at 3:00 position and your knee shoud be above the front of your foot. Above the toe or ball of your foot.
2007-04-25 09:59:41
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answer #2
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answered by zambeff 2
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seat height most likely.even as little as 1/4 " up or down can cause discomfort.you can do a simple test by standing over your bike .there should be about two finger distance between your body and the top bar.the best is to go to your nearest cycle dealer and get yourself "fitted "on your bike,after a series of measurements and calculations the bike will be adjusted or set up for you.also make sure you are not twisting your feet as you peddle.if it continues to be painful,go see an orthopedic doctor and have him check it out .
good luck!
2007-04-25 14:09:48
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answer #3
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answered by teachprek8 2
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knee pain is generally from having your seat too LOW. Best advise go get properly fitted on your bike by a professional. It won't cost too much and is defiantly worth it. If you bought your bike at a reputable bike shop they should do it for free.
2007-04-25 11:15:41
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answer #4
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answered by jffsbr 2
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Maybe you could go and see a doctor. But probably you're riding with your saddle too low. You must be able to almost stretch your leg when your feet reaches the lower point. It's not to completely, but almost.
2007-04-25 15:44:09
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answer #5
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answered by Roberto 7
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dont stress your foot to being to flat that it isnt used to. maintain a cadance(rpm) of 80-100 to save your knees. raise your seat so that at the bottom of your pedal stroke with your HEEL on the pedal your leg just locks out and becomes straight
2007-04-25 15:38:36
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answer #6
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answered by Chris W 4
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its just that you're not used to riding on it or you should go to your doctor for a check up. you may also try exercises like jumping rope, it could strengthen your knees.
2007-04-25 09:52:06
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Your seat is set to high hyper extending your knees. Lower your seat.
2007-04-25 09:52:25
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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I would try lowering the seat so that there is less extention of the knee when pedaling.
2007-04-25 09:49:48
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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use a smaller gear you can spin more quickly with some ease, and don't rush it...enjoy it a little
2007-04-25 09:50:21
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answer #10
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answered by Bird Boy 1
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