Hip issue, New Saddle Recommendations?

[TigerFish]

I recently developed some pretty severe pain that moved around from my groin to my hip to my upper back and sometimes all three. The pain decided to settle in my hip. I am not sure the pain is totally bike related but I believe riding is at least part of the problem. When I am rinding the pain goes away. According to the Dr that is because I am loosening the muscles that put pressure on the nerve causing the problem. Icing immediately after riding really helps. The pain is pretty constant when I am not doing some kind of exercise.

I noticed that my saddle, San Marco Ponza, shows twice the wear on the side with the bad hip. I put a level on the saddle. There is a distinct tilt downward on the worn side. It tried to bend it back. As soon as I put pressure on it the saddle reverted to the tilt. I am assuming that my 2+ years of greater pressure on one side created a list that cannot be overcome by bending. I am thinking a new saddle may help. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated?

 

[Parera]

I use Fizik saddles...some people complain their shells are soft but I haven't had this problem. Have used everything in their road lineup (Antares, Aliante, Arione) can't really say I have a favorite as they are all a bit different.

I like the Arione because it allows for some "squirming" around on the saddle; move a little back to utilize your hamstrings on a grinding climb, move forward when the road tilts up steep. My only gripe is that it's hard to dial in the right spot that won't numb your junk.

The Aliante is easier to set up, at least for me, and more comfortable especially on longer rides. But there is no squirming, no micro adjustments during the ride; your position is locked in.

And finally the Antares. Kind of splits the difference between the shape of the Arione and Aliante; shorter and wider than the Arione, flatter top than the Aliante. Biggest difference ins probably weight. The carbon railed version is seriously light...but of the three it's probably the least comfortable for my ***. Then again I only rode a demo saddle for a week of riding during November, so I think I put MAYBE a grand total of 150 miles on it. Probably could have used some more tweaking in terms of angle, seatpost height and setback.

A lot of LBS will have all three saddles available for demo so I would suggest putting at least a week into each if their products appeal to you.

 

[hughmoore]

I recently developed some pretty severe pain that moved around from my groin to my hip to my upper back and sometimes all three. The pain decided to settle in my hip. I am not sure the pain is totally bike related but I believe riding is at least part of the problem. When I am rinding the pain goes away. According to the Dr that is because I am loosening the muscles that put pressure on the nerve causing the problem. Icing immediately after riding really helps. The pain is pretty constant when I am not doing some kind of exercise.

I noticed that my saddle, San Marco Ponza, shows twice the wear on the side with the bad hip. I put a level on the saddle. There is a distinct tilt downward on the worn side. It tried to bend it back. As soon as I put pressure on it the saddle reverted to the tilt. I am assuming that my 2+ years of greater pressure on one side created a list that cannot be overcome by bending. I am thinking a new saddle may help. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated?

I think you need to find out what the problem is first.

I have pain in my tailbone, but not when riding as leaning forward. Can feel it sitting upright. Had bone scan and CT and discovered its actually arthritis in sacrum.

Was only discovered on Friday, so not sure what the treatment will be as yet.

Thought it was prostrate issues spreading, but fortunately still contained.

In summary, no point changing your seat until you know what the cause is, could be a seat/height issue or a medical condition.

Hugh


Hugh

 

[krebs303]

I agree finding the source of the pain is first step. When I was injured I had terrible hip pain and went for physical therapy for 2 months with no improvement. I was sent to a orthopedist who quickly determined that the pain I felt originated from a lumbar disc pushing on my spinal cord.

 

[Quixote]

I had back issues when I wasn't riding. A PT finally discovered the problem originated from my Quads...one being stronger and tighter than the other. Evidently the hip bone is in fact connected to the thigh bone! Anyway, problems diminished when I started doing the suggested stretching routine. As far as your saddle adjustment, this is an old bit of wisdom (not mine): knees hurt=saddle to high...hip hurt=saddle to low. Hmm, or was that the other way around. Well, anyway, sorry for not being much help. Good luck in finding the cure.
Quixote
Senior Member Undiscovered

 

[Parera]

As far as your saddle adjustment, this is an old bit of wisdom (not mine): knees hurt=saddle to high...hip hurt=saddle to low.
Senior Member Undiscovered

Pretty sure you have that backwards.

 

[oldborn]

Dude I had similar issue but one Yankee here is damn good Chiropractic. It helps me a lot, since then no problemo at all. I am not crazy about that alternative medicine, but that thing helps. Of course take a pictures and findings from your real doctor.

 

[slartiblartfast]

How about submitting your problem to the CN panel and getting some recommendations from Steve Hogg et al. Chances are it isn't purely a saddle issue.

 

[TigerFish]

Probably not totally saddle

How about submitting your problem to the CN panel and getting some recommendations from Steve Hogg et al. Chances are it isn't purely a saddle issue.

Thanks for all the great advice. I am currently investigating orthopediists to figure out who to go to. The pain is seriously improving my form. I am paying a lot of attention to what I am doing on the bike. Riding stops the pain. The pain eventually returns with a vengeance.

One thing I found out from Saddle wear is I was previously leaning to one side while riding. The right side of the saddle, from the front is heavily worn and the left side only has spotty wear.

The number of actions potentially affecting the hip gets pretty large when you start examining all the repetitive motions you do in a day.

Thanx to all.

How do you post to the panel?