Yes, cycling is good for arthritis in the knees. While there is some validity to the belief that cycling does less damage to the cartilage in the knee because of the low level of impact involved, it doesn't mean that the sport doesn't present an opportunity for knee injuries. Your knees, hips, shoulders and hands are most susceptible to osteoarthritis damage. … The second cause for cycling knee pain lies in the nature of the bicycle itself: the man-machine-interaction. I know, those crazy Ozzies. Knee pain is one of the most common overuse-type injuries that cyclists can suffer from. “If your bike seat is too high, causing you to reach at the bottom of each pedal stroke, this can cause pain in the back of your knee along with straining your hamstrings.” she says. Gradually build back into cycling. Cycling and lower back pain. Cycling for Arthritic Knees Stationary Cycling. References and Links. Experts advise using methods of exercise that avoid putting weight on the knee joint, such as stationary cycling. I got another great article for you today and it focuses on knee pain from the stationary bike. The bicycle turns into an extension of the human body and as you exert force on your bike your bike also exerts force on you. Stationary Cycling. 48633DX. I've noticed my knees hurt when I walk upstaires (but not always) Is cycling … If your spinning bike is not set up properly you may develop knee problems. If the cycling does aggravate your knee remember the initial 'RICE' self treatment as soon as you get home. Log in, Anterior Knee Pain Cycling – Causes and Solutions, The Benefits of Cycling for Your Mental Health. Asplund, C. & St Pierre, P. (2004) Knee Pain and Bicycling: Fitting Concepts for Clinicians. The ligaments are very strong and elastic fibrous tissues which connect the bones to each other in the joint and ensure their stability. Make sure the bicycle seat is level with the floor. Research shows that anywhere from 23 percent to 33 percent of cyclists have suffered from cycling-related knee pain at one point or another. Endurance exercises like walking, running and cycling are critical components of any weight loss endeavor, but extra body weight increases pressure on your knees, making these exercises potentially damaging to the joints. It’s also important to avoid sudden stops and starts during your workout, as this decreases blood flow to and lubrication of the joints. Most sprains occur as a result of twisting the knee and injure the cruciate ligaments (anterior and posterior). It makes sense to continue bicycling for as long as you are able. But that doesn’t necessarily mean cycling can lead to knee pain and osteoarthritis because several factors can contribute to knee pain while biking. Does cycling damage the knees? A regular routine of bicycling keeps your knees moving through their range of motion and, at the same time, strengthens the muscles that support your knees. Finally, A Global Cycling Club That Is Focused On Community And Love Of Cycling! Although cycling can relieve knee pain, it can also cause more injury if done incorrectly. Like other cyclists, mountain bikers can suffer overuse injuries. But excess body weight puts immense pressure on the knees and these exercises can potentially damage the knee joints. Cycling can help with knee joint range of movement, knee joint stability and muscle strength. Consult your doctor or a physiotherapist before proceeding with workout that might have an influence on arthritic knees. This finding backed the hypothesis that overuse of a joint can cause arthritis. Most cyclists – from beginners to the pros – will experience knee pain when cycling at some point during their riding career. Standing to pedal won't damage your knees. Excessive stress can damage a joint (or nearby structures) and joint damage can lead to arthritis. I’m a 55-year-old male, I have osteoarthritis in my knees, and after a crash last year that resulted in a broken shoulder blade, and a subsequent illness, I lost a lot of weight and a lot of muscle mass in my legs (and elsewhere) due to muscle wasting, basically wiping out all of the leg muscle that I’d built up in 4 plus years of riding. Physical therapists agree, however, that biking can strengthen and increase the range of motion of the knee joint, and is better for the knees than almost any sport. ... Four major ligaments hold your knees in place, assisted by the muscles and tendons that converge at the … Similar studies are not available for cycling, though I did find two studies that suggest cycling was associated … Don’t push through it. Your knees, hips, shoulders and hands are most susceptible to osteoarthritis damage. I’d take it easy at first, then increase duration and intensity over time to see how far my knee can go without hurting. Associate. By paying attention to form, getting a proper bike fit and being careful not to over train, cyclists can reduce the risk of damage to their body and enjoy the sport for a long time to come. Chances are that if you are having pain it is the result of how the bike is set up to fit you, meaning it’s probably not. What Happened When I Stretched Every Day For a Month. Factors affecting your knees while cycling There are a number of factors that can put you at an increased risk of developing knee pain and other issues like osteoarthritis of the knees, although cycling itself is not the root cause of knee-related injuries. See a physio. If the seat points upward it places too much pressure on your groin; if pointing downward, it stresses your shoulders and arms. Too much, too soon – Do not over do it, make sure to only increase. Symptoms: Pain behind the knee or along the outside of the knee. Whether you suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, the most typical symptoms in the … If anything standing is better for your knees than sitting. Little issues with bike fit or technique compound over time to cause pronounced knee pain, the most common lower-body complaint in our sport. Exercising the knee through stationary bike is one of the best ways to strengthen weak knees and manage bad knees such as arthritis, torn meniscus, torn ACL, cartilage and ligament tear, and other bad knees condition. According to the website Cartilage Health, stationary exercise bikes are used often for knee rehabilitation after knee injury or surgery and the management of chronic degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Take it away Kristian. Getting the best exercise bike for arthritic knees is a great way to manage osteoarthritis more prevalent in seniors. 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