A bicycle saddle is the term used to describe the seat of the bike. If you're a heavy-duty cyclist, your backside will see many hours on the saddle. Unfortunately, for some cyclists, a bike saddle can contribute to several different types of pain. Learning how to avoid the pain associated with your bike seat can keep your joints and buttocks happier in the saddle.
Back and Knee Pain
Your bicycle saddle may contribute to back and knee pain when you're riding if the saddle is not adjusted to the proper position for your height. Saddles that are angled back too much can cause your pelvis to tilt backward, leading to back pain. Seats that are too high or too low can cause pain in your knees, either from not extending enough or hyperextending during pedaling. Your knee should bend slightly, the RoadCycling website explains, at no more than a 30-degree angle when your foot is on the pedal in the lowest possible position. Adjust your saddle to the correct position and try it out; if your hips move when you pedal, you may need to experiment with the height further to find a position that works for you.
Saddle-Sore Pain
Another type of saddle pain that cyclists can experience from their bike seat is saddle sores. Saddle sores are painful areas of chafing that occur when your buttocks or groin area rub against the seat. Saddles that are too wide or too narrow for your body frame can cause saddle sores; a seat that is tilted down too much can also create the friction that leads to saddle sores. Your skin may be merely irritated at first, but long periods of riding combined with high levels of friction can contribute to broken skin and open sores in some cases.
Saddle-Sore Treatment and Prevention
The treatment and prevention of saddle sores is two-fold. Take care of your body to treat the skin wounds by applying antibiotic ointments, petroleum-based products or baby powder to the irritated spots to reduce the friction, suggests the Bicycling Life website. Wearing padded biking shorts when you ride can also help minimize the occurrence of saddle sores. Take the pressure off of an active sore on occasion by standing up when you pedal. The other side of dealing with the pain that a bike saddle can induce is to test-drive different kinds of saddles. Bike seats are made in a variety of widths, levels of firmness and shapes. Saddles that have cutout holes in the middle of the seat may be more comfortable because the cutout relieves pressure from certain areas of your anatomy. No two people are built exactly alike, so not every saddle is going to be the best fit for you. Try a few until you find one you like.
Considerations
Consult your doctor if you've made all the necessary adjustments to your bike saddle, have tried different saddles and still suffer from any type of pain while riding. A physical examination and review of your medical history can help determine if your bike saddle is a factor in your discomfort or if other issues are flaring up and manifesting themselves during your bicycling.
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