Any ideas for relieving kiteboarding induced knee pain?

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

You have hit the nail on the head. Start really working on controlling your speed when you are going through the nasty Oregon side chop. Start playing around with how slow you can go and still keep moving. Once you are to the good water on the other side - then you can go as fast as you want.

Also - looking ahead is really helpful instead of looking at your kite. You see a big chunk of chop coming purposefully retract your front leg to absorb the chop before it hits you. Kind of like prejumping a roller or a mogul when you are skiing.

forrest · Tue Jul 17, 12 7:00 am

I've had surgery on each knee, but I don't think that's the problem. I know the exact pain you're talking about. I'd highly suggest you join a CrossFit gym near you, as a regular exercise routine will be the best for injury avoidance.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=235

Most OEM boards come with a hard pad of some sort. If you modify your ride to absorb your jumps you will win.

Also, don't jump as much.

WindLogik · Since 09 Feb 2009 95 Posts Hood River

I'm picky about my pads. My feet are really flat, and they cramp easy. I use NSI's Double-Stuff Oreos for my twin tip. They are very cooshy and will help absorb some of the chop. Make sure your knees are bent!

Sauve · Since 19 Mar 2009 97 Posts Hood River

rocker was mention already, I have found that concave helps too...

its not the quickest fix but in reality therapy is most likely the best answer, great suggestions on the forum, but finding a REALLY GOOD physical therapist may be the best bet

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

What Forrest said. Hire a good Crossfit trainer to show you how to do proper, deep squats. Looks dorky and scary but safely strengthens your knees like crazy if done with good form.

Crossfit deserves mad props for introducing good squatting form to the world of weak knees and backs.

shred_da_gorge · Thu Jul 19, 12 9:17 am

Nak · Thu Jul 19, 12 1:41 pm

Soft pads like the double stuff as mentioned. A board with flexi tips. crossfit. All good.

Also, try this: walk comfortably and normally and stop on a piece of butcher paper. make sure you're comfortable and your feet are in a natural, comfortable position. let them be in the natural position they want to be in. Have your knees bent a bit. Now, have someone--hopefully previously in place so you don't have to yell for help--draw outlines around your feet. You now have your natural stance. Measure it on the paper--width and angle--and duplicate it as best you can with your pads/straps.

Whabbits · Since 07 Nov 2011 7 Posts Kook

All really good advice thus far. I wanted to touch on a couple of points from your original post.

Every time I go out I end up with what feels like a muscle tear right behind my knee where the calf muscle ends.

- I have had this as well. What worked for me was a good sports massage therapist helping release this. It came back twice but after two massages over the course of a month, the problem has not come back in several months now. Having this released allowed me to strengthen so it does not come back. Hopefully you have extended health benefits through work.

This time I have that, but accompanied with pain just inside the kneecap, along with some lovely clicking from time to time.

- My surgeon basically said get used to some of this. What I have found really helps, beyond exercise, massage, stretching etc... is Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. I take several capsules a day. Since starting to take these on a daily basis the inflamation and general grinding in my knee has gone down dramatically.

If you are beyond the losing your board stage, ask to demo \ borrow other boards from people and try out a wide range of board shapes, pads, feet positions, etc...
I would recommed trying the Wainman Joke, Shinn Monk (likely the Dundee too), and Ocean Rodeo Mako, if you have the chance to.

all the best with your ongoin recovery.

shred_da_gorge · Fri Jul 20, 12 8:06 am

epipygus · Since 11 Nov 2010 4 Posts Kook

I had the same thing (R knee scopes and cartilage taken out) and had clicking as well. I don't get the pain behind my knee but definate knee pain. I had been riding a 2009 555, 2009 shinn twin, and 2011 slingshot sx - all different boards with different rocker. I just got a Supershinn that has continuous rocker and no more knee pain. NONE! I wouldn't have believed it unless I'd experienced it. I don't actually like the ride as much as the upwind ability of my flatter 555 but the lack of knee pain is amazing (even with 20 foot jumps) and I guess the control is better with the increased rocker. I had to go to a much larger board though (used to ride a 134x42 555 and now ride a 137x44 supershinn - and no, I didn't gain any weight). If you can demo a supershinn I highly recommend it. I also tried the Monk but sent it back as I thught the outline killed the power too much for my liking. I like one board for everything. I also tried a surfboard the other day as some others have said but I was only on it for about a half hour. The shinn boards also have a pretty thick and cushy pad so that could definately factor in with the continuous rocker. Either way - I can ride for days now.

jperry · Since 07 Nov 2008 190 Posts Stoked

Im a witch Doctor.

Knee Braces. Strengthening. biking. squats. Balance training. Low glycimic Diet. Lots of vegges they help reduce swelling. Ginger does wonders. it is like Ib profin and Mad energy all in one. Calcium. great sources include kale spinach and a day in the sun so it is all absorbed. joint pills. Bad ankles? Check them out look stuff up. Google is rad. stay away from really salty foods. Fish oil is rad. I got some pretty Gnar knees from shreding hard. i have 0 knee pain when i do this stuff. Also YOGA! hot babes and meditation and stretching and alignment of the body. swimming and yoga every day! i love it. gym sessions every other day. Arnica if things get weird. It helps with pain alot.

Umm I like green smoothies. I do Ginger Cilantro parsley kale spinach avacado fresh basil. then for flavor i peel a lime and some pine apple. and a banana.

So the fruit has flavor and some great carbs for mad energy.

The ginger increases blood flow and reduces swelling Give me a mad energy boost. also great for nausea. The kale has mad calcium and other nutrients that benefit energy awareness and bone health. spinach always get me pumped it has niacin and helps increase blood flow. So more nutrients to the body. Cilantro parsley help carry away toxins. Basil is a natural mood lifter. Banana has mad sugar and potassium. Great for muscle health. so is calicum. So better supported joints. the pineapple is just so good. The lime has mad vita C so When you shred hard and go hard you don't get sick. Avocado. OMEGA 3 it helps lube them joints and keep that mood stable.

Occupied Columbia · Since 12 Nov 2011 376 Posts Columbia City Obsessed

You can get fresh made ginger shots at mothers deli right next to winddance. we had some shots last weekend before heading to the event site. burns like tequila and seriously keeps you warm all day. Im chewing on a ginger root right now.

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

If you are riding a twintip, just canter your straps or boots to a more duck stance rather than having your feet perpendicular to the center line of the board. This will instantly relieve the rotational torque being exerted on your forward knee in particular.

Or junk the twintip all together and switch to riding surfboards!!

Idea

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

Less board riding and more swimming(board retrieval) will definately be easier on the knees... Twisted Evil

The surf boards are definately easier on the knees because of above statement.

beej · Since 16 Jul 2010 180 Posts Stoked

OP here. I can confirm that setting up in more of a "duck" stance did wonders on my knees.

My next step is to get the balls to go strapless and try a surfboard.

Last year was what I would consider my first "season" after a few years of false starts, so the strapless is still a bit scary for me. Smile

Thanks all!

windtzu1 · Since 02 Aug 2012 25 Posts

Being my first full year kiting, I too notice my knees ache after a session. It's nothing serious but I imagine over time this could become an issue. Like everything with the body, if it hurts then it needs time to rest and heal. Since I like to get out on the water as much as possible rest isn't always my first choice.

Here are some things I discovered that will help:

I injured my knees many years ago and as therapy I swam for months (worked wonders) and started weight lifting once they healed a bit. Proper strength building and flexibility exercises - yoga and practices like it will do wonders for the healing process. Leg raises on a universal machine - strengthens the muscles and connective tissue around the knee. Lift in moderation. Consult a physical therapist or chiropractor.

I second riding strapless. Alternate this time with your tt riding. I learned to ride strapless while I learned riding a tt, so I do both on the same day. If my knees ache I'll ride the directional only that day. It can be challenging but it's a nice change.

Boards like the Shinn Monk or Dundee. Pressure on my knees dramatically decreased when I started riding the Dundee verses my previous North Crossride. I think it has something to do with rocker??? I'm not sure but I love the results and the ride. If I'm not mistaken, the Ocean Rodeo Mako is also easier on the knees.

Good Luck and take care of those knees Smile