Knee pain...

I've had knee issues from as far back as I can recall. Skateboarding, snowboarding and soccer fucked me up. Last year I rode a century in september. I had to stay off the bike for a week or so after. The outside of my knee was in so much pain. After that, it was never the same. Since then it comes and goes. Its usually a dull pain, but its one of those pains that you know you shouldn't just push through.

Fast forward to last month... I rode the NY century. I didn't feel any pain during the ride. 2 days after I could barely walk. It was the other side (inside of my knee, the anterior medial). Even after resting for days it hurts to go up and down stairs, and even at times hurts to walk. I've been to an orthopedic doctor, and they basically just said that the tissue is inflamed. I laid low for a few more days.

Last week I went to cyclocross practice. After that night I was back at square 1. It didn't hurt while I was riding, but after it was killing me. I gave it a few days then headed out with my friends on a ride last Sunday. Again I experienced the same thing shortly after the ride. At this point you can tell how stubborn I am. I obviously need to take a good break.

Its killing me to be off the bike. I hate the subway, and I don't want to lose strength. Riding is the only thing that keeps my head in check. Today I am going to use some Kinesiology tape (KT tape) on my knee. I made a few adjustments to my road bike fit and I'm going to take a nice easy spin. If it hurts after today I promised myself that I would give it a good rest and recovery.

Ultimately, I need a proper bike fit, and some time off the bike. Bike fits are expensive, but its the next thing on my list.
Enough of my bitching...

Here are some links to information on knee pain specifically related to cycling. I know there are plenty of people out there going through the same.

Knee pain and cycling part 1
Knee pain and cycling part 2