Experiencing knee pain during and immediately following driving is a common problem especially on long trips or in stop-and-go traffic. If that pain is located at the front of your knee under your kneecaps, you may be suffering from chondromalacia patellae (also known as CMP). This condition is characterized by the degradation of the protective cartilage that sits under your kneecaps and can be attributed to injury, aging, muscular imbalance or an anatomical misalignment of the kneecap.
Often, this type of knee pain occurs in drivers with long legs who keep their knees bent while in the car. To get relief from your knee pain, try adjusting the position of your seat. Sliding your seat back until your legs are almost totally straight will force you to only bend your ankles when operating the pedals. In this extended position, your kneecaps sit on top of your knee joint, relieving pressure and pain. If your knee pain persists, be sure to contact your physician to further evaluate your condition.
Reference: Dr. Bill’s Clinic; William Thomas Stillwell, M.D.; “A Driving Tip for Aching Knees”; 2009; http://www.drbillsclinic.com/driving_tip.html
