Any (Sports) Doctors in the house?

[Russ]

For the last week or so, I have been feeling this slight nagging pain on my right knee. To be precise, the discomfort is on the patellar tendon and to the right of the patellar tendon.

I understand that a LOW saddle position would induce pain ON TOP of the patella..... And a HIGH saddle, problems with the hamstrings. So, would you have some suggestions what could be causing this discomfort? What would be best to apply for this problem, ice or heat?

Although I have trained a bit harder this week than the previous weeks, I have not made any changes as far as shoes, saddle height, pedals, etc.

Thanks!

[Kevan]

Not saying this is your problem, but it happens to many new or early season cyclists:

http://www.csuchico.edu/phed/atc/Projects/ITband/ITBFS.html

Happened to me many years ago. I found that if I did 10 minutes of strong stretching before throwing a leg over the top tube, I'd be fine. There are probably better sites to detail the different exercises.

!!! Edited for recent comments about stretching: !!!

In most cases this infliction is only temporary and stretching, short of pain relievers is the only simple immediate solution. Here's a site that better details the exercises:

http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/itb_stretch/

[vaxn8r]

Since you didn't change anything on the bike and it wasn't an injury, my first thought is an overuse injury. Back off a bit this week and start over the next week.

Ice for 48 hrs after an injury....then whatever feels better.

Stretching IMO is overrated....but some like how it feels...

Ongoing symptoms? I'd get it checked out.

[Needs Help]

Stretching IMO is overrated....but some like how it feels...

A recent study mentioned in USAToday, showed that stretching did not prevent injuries.

Use ice to reduce pain and inflammation. Use heat before exercising.