Two reasons people develop knee pain from cycling

Cycling Knee Pain

Many people like to hop on their bicycle to get in their daily cardio, and cycling is also thought to be easier on the knees than jogging. However, it’s still possible to develop knee pain from cycling. 

Knee pain is one of the most common types of pain amateur cyclists experience. It’s estimated that nearly 28% of amateur cyclists develop knee pain, but you might not know what’s causing your pain, which can make treating it harder. A physical therapist can help you learn the source of your knee pain. Additionally, these medical professionals can help you find effective treatment for knee pain from cycling.  

Two common knee pain issues you can get from cycling

The knee is a complex structure that contains muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. This complexity gives it the flexibility to allow you to cycle, but it also means there are many parts of your knee that can become painful. Two issues that physical therapists often find causing knee discomfort in cyclists are: 

  1. Patellofemoral syndrome — This condition often occurs because the inner thigh muscles aren’t used as much for cycling. As a result, the stronger outer thigh muscles pull the kneecap out of alignment. This misalignment triggers pain in the soft tissue around or under the kneecap. 
  1. Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome — The IT band is made up of connective tissue, and it runs from the buttocks and along the outside of the thigh and knee before connecting to the shinbone. Lack of flexibility in the IT band can cause it to rub against the outside of the knee and trigger pain. IT band syndrome can also be caused by too many repetitive knee movements or overly tight glute muscles. 

Techniques physical therapists can use to treat your knee pain from cycling

Working with a physical therapist can be an effective way to treat aching knees caused by cycling. These specialists offer a number of techniques that can help reduce your pain, and some of these therapy methods include: 

  • Therapeutic exercises that can stretch tense leg, buttock, and hip muscles and improve their strength. 

Get treatment for your knee pain from cycling at Whatcom Physical Therapy

Are you feeling knee pain after your cycling sessions? Our Whatcom PT team is ready and willing to help you find effective ways to reduce your pain. First, we’ll do a free screening of your knee to determine the cause of your pain. Then, our physical therapists will construct a personalized therapy plan for you that’s designed to decrease your pain and prevent its return. Even better, our therapists can work with you in virtual therapy sessions, so you might not have to leave home to get therapy for your knee pain. 

Contact our team today for more information about the services we offer for knee pain or to schedule your initial appointment.