Arthritis in knee

Sindylou2

Hi,

Started my journey yesterday and I want to incorporate riding a stationary bike. I have read both good and bad on this for someone with knee pain. Anyone out there with arthritis in the knee that has advice? TIA

Cherimoose

It's usually fine if you start with short rides, and the seat is in the right position. Check youtube for "adjust bicycle seat".

AnnPT77

If we're talking osteoarthritis, it will make a difference where the exact location of arthritic damage is. The two general options would be to get some kind of medical imaging done for a real diagnosis, and get a physical therapist referral to understand what exercises will work best; or to try something and see if it causes pain.

I'm in the "try things" camp for myself (as long as I know I'm not worsening damage, which involves conversation with my doctor). Start with shorter exercise periods of the new activity, increase duration/intensity gradually if you seem to tolerate it well, and keep up conservative progress that way.

kshama2001

AnnPT77 wrote: »

If we're talking osteoarthritis, it will make a difference where the exact location of arthritic damage is. The two general options would be to get some kind of medical imaging done for a real diagnosis, and get a physical therapist referral to understand what exercises will work best; or to try something and see if it causes pain.

I'm in the "try things" camp for myself (as long as I know I'm not worsening damage, which involves conversation with my doctor). Start with shorter exercise periods of the new activity, increase duration/intensity gradually if you seem to tolerate it well, and keep up conservative progress that way.

Not the OP, but I had X-rays and an MRI. They mentioned arthritis, but not what kind or where. My "real diagnosis" is "Pain with activity"

Wearing good shoes, not sitting with legs crossed, easing into activity, and doing both sets of knee strengthening exercises regularly helps a lot, but I still have pain after prolonged sitting with knees crossed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLoMA7I7HOQ&feature=youtu.be

chulipa

I have bad osteoarthritis in both knees and the first thing they had me do in physical therapy was ride a exercise bike but since then was told not to do that or even walk on my knees my right one is bone on bone but the big problem is a big tear in the meniscus on the inside of my knee and I need a total knee replacement soon. If your pain is not severe it shouldn't hurt and may actually help because it can strengthen the muscle around the knee.

Dreamyriver

Sindylou2 wrote: »

Hi,

Started my journey yesterday and I want to incorporate riding a stationary bike. I have read both good and bad on this for someone with knee pain. Anyone out there with arthritis in the knee that has advice? TIA

I struggle with a regular stationary bike but manage much better with a recumbent bike. The exercises posted above are very similar to the ones that my physio has given me to help strengthen quads. I also find that taping/strapping really helps to alleviate the pain.

I have osteoarthritis in both knees, much worse in the left than the right. The left also has full thickness cartilage erosion (with chondromalacia patellae) and a bone spur. I have type 2 diabetes which is managed with diet and exercise, so it is very important to me to be able to exercise my large muscles, but can't walk up/down slopes (and we live in a mountainous area) so my treadmill and recumbent constitute a large component of my exercise routine.

My life is filled with deep joy

GottaBurnEmAll

I have osteo and psoriatic arthritis that bothers my knees.

I am able to both run and walk without issue, but both a regular and recumbent bike are very uncomfortable for me.

I think the answer to this question really depends specifically on how your arthritis is affecting your joints specifically and will be a you won't know until you try type thing.

AnnPT77

GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »

I have osteo and psoriatic arthritis that bothers my knees.

I am able to both run and walk without issue, but both a regular and recumbent bike are very uncomfortable for me.

I think the answer to this question really depends specifically on how your arthritis is affecting your joints specifically and will be a you won't know until you try type thing.

100% agree. Mine is osteo only (plus a torn meniscus). I can cycle and row (both use similar straight-line hinging motion). But impact, such as running, or even long/frequent walking, cause me real problems. Things involving weighted torque on the knee (aerobic dance, basketball, tennis, etc.) are even worse.

It's very individual.

ljashley1952

Hi and welcome. I have had total knee replacements done on both knees for osteoarthritis. I just had the second one done six months ago and I am able to walk a couple of miles and ride a stationary bike without difficulty. If you start with just a few minutes and build up gradually, you should be fine. Make sure your doc approves before you jump in, but most docs encourage exercise as tolerated. Mine just said to listen to my body and stop before I'm hurting.