Many people enjoy bicycle riding as part of a workout routine and a healthy lifestyle. However, bicycle riding can sometimes result in an injury or flare-up of a condition that leads to pain in the knee muscles. Fortunately, most cases of knee muscle pain when riding a bike are preventable and treatable with lifestyle changes, self-care and medical treatment.
Features
Anyone can develop knee muscle pain when riding a bicycle, including regular riders who are physically fit. Knee muscle pain when riding a bicycle can vary in location around the front, back or sides of the knee. The pain might develop gradually during a ride or suddenly and without warning. In addition to pain in the knee muscles, riders might also experience additional symptoms, including swelling and stiffness of the knee joint, redness of the knee, popping or crunching noises when attempting to move the knee, weakness or shakiness when trying to stand on the affected leg, and difficulty straightening the knee when standing.
Causes
Injuries and overuse are common causes of knee pain when riding a bike, explains the Mayo Clinic website. A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, can cause sudden and intense pain during a bike ride. A torn meniscus is another common cause of knee pain during physical activity. A very long bike ride or daily bike rides over a long period could result in inflammatory injuries such as knee bursitis or patellar tendinitis, which affects the tendons and muscles of the knee. Other possible causes of knee muscle pain while riding a bike include osteoarthritis, which results from normal wear and tear with age; rheumatoid arthritis; and patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Treatments
For mild cases of knee muscle pain, doctors recommend the PRICE method of self-care at home: Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen might help to reduce pain and inflammation after a bike ride. For osteoarthritis, doctors might inject corticosteroids into the knee joint to reduce inflammation and pain. A serious injury such as a torn ACL often requires surgical treatment followed by physical therapy, explains the Mayo Clinic website.
Prevention
Before going on a ride, ensure the height of the bike seat is correct for the rider to help minimize unnecessary force and wear on the knee, suggests the Road Cycling website. Warming up the muscles of the legs by doing stretches before going on a ride can also help to prevent pain in and around the knee when riding a bike. Before going on a ride, consider wrapping the knees with an elasticized fabric wrap to help stabilize the knee joint and prevent pain.
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