People with knee arthritis can ride, and cycling can not only play a great role in maintaining, recovering and exercising joint function, but also stimulate the metabolism of cartilage itself and increase the muscle strength of the quadriceps, and "reborn" the knee joint.
Arthritis represents one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and is a leading cause of disability. More than 40 million people in the United States have arthritis or chronic joint symptoms that are often accompanied by joint pain. By the year 2020, this number is expected to reach 60 million. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis affecting an estimated 21 million adults in the United States. In severe cases, the pain of arthritis can only be relieved temporarily by taking medication. In recent years, studies found that cycling can not only reduce the pain caused by arthritis, but also prevent the occurrence of arthritis.
Some experienced riders may know that cycling can prevent muscle atrophy caused by aging and increase muscle mass at the same time. Medical experts also suggest that patients can keep cycling and pedaling for about 30 minutes every day to observe the effect of arthritis.
At the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Dr. Rob Middleton found that non-load bearing exercise may be more effective in repairing joints than stem cell therapy or nanotherapy. At the same time, Dr. Middleton was not alone in the discovery. According to a report on Livestrong.com, a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that daily cycling can prevent arthritis and reduce pain in people with arthritis.
Cycling itself is a favorite sport for Dr. Middleton, who explained that the main source of arthritis is not only the wear and tear of bones and cartilage, but also muscles. He added that while pro cyclists also have arthritis, the symptoms worsen as soon as they stop cycling.
But knee arthritis patients are not casually able to bike! Cyclists with knee arthritis also need to pay attention to some methods.
I. How to Ride a Bicycle in Patients with Knee Arthritis
1) Adjust the appropriate seat height
The most suitable seat height for knee arthritis patients is: the thighs are in a state of 80% straight, and the knees can be slightly bent when the soles of the feet are placed on the pedals and the bottom is stepped.
2) The frequency and angle of pedaling should be suitable
Knee patients should maintain a stable pedaling frequency and keep their feet on a vertical plane when pedaling, that is, the angle should be maintained at 90°.
3) The number and time of riding should be appropriate
Knee arthritis patients should pay attention to cycling according to the doctor's advice, not blindly increase the cycling distance, but also pay attention to the rest of the knee joint during cycling. Riding every day can not be too long, 30-40 minutes is appropriate, too long will easily damage the knee joint.
II. Precautions for Cycling in Patients with Knee Arthritis
1) Do not ride a bicycle on cloudy, rainy, cold and snowy days. Wind, cold, and dampness are important triggers for the onset of arthritis. Therefore, the knee joint should be prevented from getting cold.
2) It is better to ride a bicycle after 10:00 in the morning in winter, and it is better to ride after the sun comes out in sunny weather.
3) When riding a bicycle in cold weather, wear knee pads if necessary.
4) Cyclists should shorten the riding distance, take regular breaks, and especially avoid excessive climbing sections.
