What can I do to eliminate knee pain while riding?
Okay – so.. typically when I ride it’s during a lesson, show, or clinic and I’m in the saddle for an hour at the very least. Lupus runs in my family and I’ve already got symptoms of it + rheumatoid arthritis. After riding for an extended period of time, I start to have knee pain – mostly in my right knee. I’ve tried jointed stirrups and ironically they caused MORE pain than they relieved. I’ve thought about trying the Bow Balance stirrups but I’m afraid it’ll be the same thing. I have "conformational issues," as my trainer likes to put it, because I’ve got a 33" inseam but I’m only 5′4". This makes it hard for me to fit really nicely in a saddle without my leg looking too long (even if my stirrups are at the right level).
I know I have a problem of turning my toes out when I jump, so could this be part of the reason for my knee pain? Could it be the fact that my legs are so long? Does anyone else have this same problem and if so – what have you done that has actually worked?
I’ve had blood tests done every year for the Lupus. With the test – they’re looking for I think three specific things.. if you only have two out of the three, they still name your results as "negative." My Dr. has said, "It’s just a matter of time before the test comes back positive" – I don’t really know how to interpret that.. I’m assuming that one of the things they look for is possibly age related. Who knows.. and Yes, I’ve tried ace bandages, I’ve tried a knee brace – it doesn’t help. Ibuprofin sometimes works but I’m not a huge fan over taking stuff. My massage therapist has recommend Arnica – which I’ve yet to find – but otherwise I’m not on any medications other than the occasional Flexiril after a horseshow (which is when it’s the worst).