Ask a doctor on the topic of Orthopedics

Pain in the knee after overloading from cycling - What treatment?

August 4, 2021 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello. On 01.08. I rode a bike for the first time again. E bike. We got caught in the rain. I quickly shifted up to the 7th gear and gave it some gas. It was probably too strenuous. Anyway, my knee started hurting when climbing stairs and doing everything, and I felt unstable.

Since 02.08., on the advice of another doctor (whom I'm not sure knows what he's doing), I have been taking 3x 600mg Ibuprofen for the inflammation. It has already improved. I also occasionally applied ice. The more I move around and use the elliptical trainer (which doesn't hurt), the better everything feels.

Today, on 04.08., it has improved in my opinion. I asked the friendly doctor how long I should continue taking Ibuprofen. He said for 2 weeks and then slowly taper off to one tablet. That sounds very suspicious to me...

What do you suggest I do in terms of when I can stop taking Ibuprofen (for inflammation reasons)? I no longer need them for pain relief.

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

Please excuse the delay in my response, but since the two weeks are not yet over, hopefully I can still be of assistance to you.

Taking 3 x 600mg Ibuprofen is a rather high dose, and the intake for anti-inflammatory purposes is only necessary as long as signs of inflammation are present. These signs would mainly be warmth, swelling, and pain.

Since you mention that more movement is beneficial for you, it can be assumed that you no longer need anti-inflammatory medication. You may stop taking Ibuprofen without tapering off.

I wish you a speedy recovery, stay healthy.

Dr. Schaaf