Cycling can be a really healthy and enjoyable activity for those suffering from arthritis. However, a lot of folk reckon that it might be good for your hips, but not exactly suitable for the knees.
Having said that, a lot of the problems that arise with the knees are often caused by having the saddle or handlebars not properly adjusted, or by trying too much at the beginning, before your muscles have had time to adapt to the exercise. Of course, it could aggravate your knees—if you try it, and you think it might cause you problems, then it’s best to get off your bike, as it were.
Modern day bicycles can be adapted very easily to individual needs, as the handlebars, saddles, operation of gears and brakes can be adjusted. Bikes with many gears offer more options, especially to the arthritis sufferer. The gears are there, of course, to help give you an energy advantage. By using them properly, you can have the same amount of legwork whether you’re on an even surface, or on a very steep hill.
The racing bike, which was very popular in my younger days, has thankfully given way now to ones such as touring or mountain bikes. They are much more comfortable, especially for those with arthritis, as you are sitting straight up instead of hunching over the handlebars, and then craning your neck up to see the way ahead.
Safety is very important when it comes to cycling. If you can find a quiet lane, a cycle path, or a park, so much the better, with the amount of traffic on our roads nowadays. A cardinal rule, though—wherever you happen to be riding your bike, make sure that you always wear a helmet. Even if you always travel at a slow pace, remember that the unexpected can crop up, and often does. Only last week, we’ve had the tragic death of a champion cyclist here in Scotland. If you’re riding at night, or even during twilight, make sure that you have tail and headlamps, as well as reflectors on your helmet, bike, and clothing.
For added comfort, try a padded seat cover, and also padded gloves. Those can be used indoors also, as I haven’t mentioned that you can carry out your cycling in the comfort of your home as well, using stationary exercise bikes. You can set the tension on those to anything you like, usually starting with the easiest, and gradually working your way up to a higher degree of difficulty.
Cycling helps to develop greater strength and endurance, and joints are often less swollen and painful after you’ve got yourself into a regular routine.
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