Is there anyone out there who can help me bike ride again with bad chondromalicia?

Question

Hi. I'm a former rugby player with bad knees and then I finished them off bike racing. Now I have real bad chondromalacia and can't ride at all anymore because of the shear occuring on the back of my kneecaps. I can't jog b/c of the pounding, but I can run a little on that new turf. Does anyone have any advice to get back on a bike pain free. I feel like I have tried everything including a: high seat, shorter cranks, speedplay pedals, orthotic shims, jumper's straps, higher cadence, etc. Would pay a mill to be able to ride again.

Answer 1

Cycling is many times very good for people with problem knees. It is for me. However, not all the time. You seem to have done all the fit "fixes" to relieve your pain. One more thing you may want to try before a visit to the doc. Pay attention when you pedal to keep your knees close in. Your knees should be about an inch away from the top tube when riding. One guy I knew tried this and the pain disappeared. Maybe this will work for you as well. Also, maybe a week off the bike would help as well. Can't hurt to try (no pun intended).

Answer 2

I cannot help you, but you might consider researching doctors who specialize in Sports Medicine.  If there are sports medicine doctors in your area, call their office and ask the receptionist if any of their physicians have had any experiences treating cyclists for chondromalacia, also called patellofemoral syndrome.  If not, can they recommend anyone.  Don't give up.