Common causes of knee pain in cyclists and runners

Knee pain in endurance athletes like cyclists and runners is often linked to improper training loads or equipment adjustments. For cyclists, discomfort may stem from incorrect saddle height or cleat positioning. A saddle that is too low can increase flexion and stress the patellofemoral joint, while a saddle that is too high may cause excessive leg extension or pelvic instability.

In runners, overuse injuries such as runner's knee are common. Research indicates that previous injuries increase the likelihood of future injuries by 62%. To mitigate risks, experts suggest that training sessions should not exceed the longest distance covered in the previous month by more than 5%. Evidence suggests that specific shoe designs and pre-run stretching have limited impact on injury prevention. Beginners are notably more susceptible to injury, often suffering at twice the rate of experienced runners.