Cycling with ITBS

rigal

Hi folks,

Has anyone got any tips for cyclists with ITB Band problems. The more I cycle the worse it gets. I feel comfortable on the bike but the pain returns once I get off and walk around. I have tried various saddle heights with no improvements.

I bought a turbo last month and have had to stop using it because the pain was getting so bad. The physio has given me some core exercises to do as this is where part the problem is coming from but is there anything I can do in terms of bike set up etc?

Cheers,
rigal

zil

rigal wrote: »

Hi folks,

Has anyone got any tips for cyclists with ITB Band problems. The more I cycle the worse it gets. I feel comfortable on the bike but the pain returns once I get off and walk around. I have tried various saddle heights with no improvements.

I bought a turbo last month and have had to stop using it because the pain was getting so bad. The physio has given me some core exercises to do as this is where part the problem is coming from but is there anything I can do in terms of bike set up etc?

Cheers,
rigal

I was under the impression that cycling actually had no effect on itbs. I started to suffer from this about 6 months ago due to a sudden increase in the amount of running I was doing. Physio told me to cut back on the running and instead do more cycling. I found this helped a lot and the symptoms slowly went away.

Are you certain that it's the cycling thats causing the problem? Cycling can make things worse if your already sore when you head out, but if you don't feel tight before starting it usually has very little effect.

I assume your doing the usual stretches, http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6099 etc? I found it took about two - three months to fully get rid of all pain so it can be a long term thing. If your 100% sure that it's the cycling that's causing the problems then I think you might have to consider easing back on the mileage and using another method to get your exercise.

Lumen

Do what your physio says.

If you don't trust the advice, get a new physio, and follow their advice.

But personally, I'd disregard all the so called expert advice and Google for free suggestions, like this. What's the worst that can happen?

rigal

Thanks guys.

Zil - I do a lot of running as well (2 marathons this year) so I think you definitely have a point although looking back at my training schedule my problems started when I upped the bike mileage. I did the amsterdam marathon last month and gave up cycling for 2 months before the race. By the time the race came around my legs were fine again. Then I decided to do some easy cycling sessions post-marathon and the ITBS flared up yet again. I haven't cycled in two weeks now but have upped the running mileage again and the ITBS has improved a fair bit since. I'm doing all those stretches and more - next step is probably a foam roller.

Lumen - Will have a look at those links now. I'm on my second physio this year - the first guy basically just helped cure my injuries, which is great, but never really explained how they originated. The new physio seems to know her onions but is a little baffled as to cycling is causing me such bother. I'm seriously thinking about getting my bike set up looked at in the new year once I've sorted out my core weakness.

ecodub

rigal wrote: »

Hi folks,

Has anyone got any tips for cyclists with ITB Band problems. The more I cycle the worse it gets. I feel comfortable on the bike but the pain returns once I get off and walk around. I have tried various saddle heights with no improvements.

I bought a turbo last month and have had to stop using it because the pain was getting so bad. The physio has given me some core exercises to do as this is where part the problem is coming from but is there anything I can do in terms of bike set up etc?

it's explained here
http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_4249.shtml
Cycling Problems - ITB pain and tightness - By Karen Doyle,