New to bicycling -- sore sit bones

Had the same problem here. I got some really padded cycle shorts (although lycra and I are not friends) and a gel padded seat. Still needed to give my bum a rest every now and then though.

I wanted to post a new topic, but I couldn't find the "New Topic" button....so hopefully, someone will reply to my post!

I've been riding my stationary bike for about 2 weeks now. When I first began, I rode 10 miles a day, and it felt great, so I increased to 20 miles. Besides getting the usual sore ischial tuberosities (sit bones), everything has been feeling great. I probably should have increased my mileage more gradually, but I'm stubborn, and tend to just work through pain. Last night, I did 24.5 miles, because suddenly, I didn't have any pain in my sit bones at all, and I felt great afterwards. However, now, this morning, I'm noticing that my left ischial tuberosity has some swelling under the skin, about the size of an apricot, and it's painful. I'm a retired RN, and it feels to me like it's a bursitis-type inflammation. There is no redness, irritation, or break in the skin, so I'm sure it's not an abscess or anything like that. I've been icing it, and it seems to have gone down a bit, but it's still painful. Any of you bicyclers out there have any experiences with ischial tuberosity bursitis? I'm thinking I need to lay of cycling for at least a few days....I ordered some padded bike shorts, but other than icing and rest, what have you done? I'm not one to run to the doctor for every little thing, and use a lot of alternative methods of healing/medicine. I'm just looking for feedback from experienced bikers.

Hi eating4me---I bike all the time, but usually outside on my road bike or I take my road bike inside and hook it up to a trainer during the winter. I know that I used to get sore before I got a saddle that actually fit me. I'm not sure if a stationary bike has the option to change out the seat ("saddle") but if it does I would highly recommend that you go into a local specialty bike shop and get measured. Yes, they measure your butt (they call it measuring the "sit bones") but in my experience they're extremely professional about it. It made all the difference in the world for me! I no longer get sore, even on long (50 mile, and training for 100 mile) rides. The padded shorts should help as well....I don't own any, but most people that I know who bike long distances say they're essential so I'll probably get some soon. I agree with you that you should lay off of biking for a few days until the swelling goes down---and obviously if it doesn't get better, a trip to the doctor may be in order. I hope this helps somewhat!