bikerbob1

Yesterday when I was out for leisurely ride I stopped for 10 minutes to talk to a friend. When it was time to push on I had my left foot clipped at the top of the pedal and ready to push off. Suddenly I was on the ground, my right knee had folded. I tried to get up and once again my knee failed to support my body. I was OK within a minute however I was very shaken. I was only a couple blocks from so I walked home. I felt fine except for being shaky. I called my family doctor and have an appointment foir next week. I also had a stong drink. I have no knee problems except they are 68 years old and my heart is fine.
I read that knee collapse can happen with runners and cyclists.
Anyone have any experience with this and more importantly a remedy.
I'm afraid that the doctor will tell me to cease and desist and that is not in my agenda. I tour every summer and I have a lot more dreams to fulfill

Nightshade

Yes, you did the right thing, mate. I'd wait until your doctor evaluates your knees
to do much activilty. It is what it is, mate. It is what it is........

John E

If I were in your situation, I would definitely see a doctor well-versed in sports medicine, preferably one who does a fair amount of bicycling or running him/herself. A couch potato physician will tell you something like: "You're getting too old for this stuff."

leob1

In my experience, falling down usually happens AFTER a stiff drink(or 6).
Get to your doctor, 68 years is hard on knees.
My completely uneducated guess is that the muscles that support the knee joint stiffened up from the way you where standing, and it's a one time thing.

Good Luck

bobkat

I'd go along with what Leob said. "My completely uneducated guess is that the muscles that support the knee joint stiffened up from the way you where standing, and it's a one time thing."

Lay off it a few days and if you can walk fine, etc. get back on a take it easy. Try easy flat 10 milers and work up from there. At least if you do this you can't possiblty do yourself any harm.

Spinz

This definitely calls for another strong drink ------ maybe even 2. Heck ------ someone take me drunk, I'm home. Lp

BLIZZ

Did you have pain in the knee as well?
I don't think it's anything, get on your bike and ride easy.
No I'm not a doctor....but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

brucewiley

I have gone through periods of some sort of "knee collapse" the last few years, when trying to pedal out of the saddle sometimes my left knee would just give out on me (collapse). That can hurt other parts. I do have some pain with the knee problem but it is strange how it will just give out on me. Been to Ortho Doc and the joint is ok still, Physical therapy seemed to help some but it just seems to come and go maybe once a year. I do have a Peripheral Neuropathy in the legs which is great to blame things on.

Nightshade

urban rider

I agree with the writer who suggests you find a doctor who is either a cyclist or a runner. Anyone else may suggest that you sit down and wait for death to show up at your door rather than how to heal and continue riding.

bikerbob1

Thanks for all the input.
I have no knee problems. I have been diagnosed with Periphal Neuropathy however it only bothers me on long walks. Cycling takes the leg ache away.
The day following the incident I climbed back on my bicycle and tried a leisurely ride. I was very nervous and my legs were not there so I ended it quickly.
Yesterday I decided to let it all hang out. I was out for three hours and pushed the cadence back up to my usual 90 to 105. I cranked up quite a few hills and all was fine with life.
I was cautious. Used quiet residential streets and when I stopped at stop signs I had both feet firmly planted. I tried to push off with the right leg however after 60 years it was not working very well.
Looks like a rain week coming up so I'll rest up.
I don't know if the doctor will try to get me off the bike. He does ride a bit and he is good about sending to great specialists. His greeting last time was "Now what did you injure?" He was little concerned about my last tour and the miles I did every day.
The scariest thing from the incident was when I tried to get up, my knees would not support my body and I had to lay there for about a minute.
Stopping biking is not on the agenda. I retired to cycle.

Nightshade

Easy, mate easy. I doubt that your doctor will take you 100% off a bike 'cause cycling is known
to be one of the best low impact exercise out there. What he might do is tell you to cut it
back a bunch to a pace your body can keep 'cause it sound to me like you're making promises
your body can't keep when it comes to cycling. You're not a kid anymore..ok?

There are million different levels to cycling, all you need to do is find the one for your 60 yr old body.

brucewiley

Interesting that we both have an occasional knee collapse problem and both have peripheral neuropathy. It does affect walking more than riding though for me, I feel awkward trying to walk or hike very far and seem to stumble along. Running is really almost impossible.

Bruce

John E

Did you hear about the "card table" drink? Two shots, and your legs fold up under you. ...