Cycling UK Forum

I recently posted about a bout of knee pain which initially responded to a change in saddle height, until it didn't.
I've had chondromalacia patellae previously. It's common in cyclists. This wasn't quite typical though as I couldn't elicit any tenderness under the lateral patella. It was hurting me going down the stairs, and slightly going up. Didn't bother me actually cycling but sorer after cycling. There was a spot in flexion, a particular angle, where it hurt. Strengthening exercises made it worse. Pain felt just below patella, and slightly to its side. I live in a house with stairs and I wasn't getting anywhere. Then I tried something.
I started "crabbing" down the stairs. Standing sideways, putting sore leg down two steps and following to the same step with painless leg. This avoided the painful angle. Four days doing this. Then went for an easy 25 miler. Perfect. I think it's gone but I'm going to crab for a few days more. I haven't seen this suggested anywhere and it may be helpful to someone.
On this forum I got the fabulous advice to turn my saddle to the sore side for soreness on one side of my backside.
Has anyone else crabbed in such a situation?

True Chondromalacia Patellae is not particularly common in cyclists.
Patello-femoral pain syndrome is common though.

I've had the genuine article in the past. This not typical so you're probably right. It was troubling me for at least a month. Crabbing seems to have fixed it. Removing the movement which hurt it. Which makes sense.

6 days later. Perfect. Did a 34 mile cycle yesterday with two hills with 15% pitches. 1400 ft all told. Knee perfect.