Non tech question

Gaynor

Pedelecer
Nov 28, 2006
152
2
It's good to know if others share the same problem, and if it helps.

I have had pains in my joints (knees mainly) for years, and recently told I have rheumatoid arthritis, it was number 57 on the blood count (whatever that means) I take Nozinan daily as it helps the pain (its meant for sleep but really helps if I take one or half of one in the day too), but I get more pain when I am still and try to get up, some times it is not as bad as other days.

I wanted to ask if bike riding is a good thing for arthritis, as I am told I shouldnt run, but peddeling is nothing like running. I think elecric bikes are a dream come true for this sort of problem, I am 40 (ouch) I didnt think you got this untill your 60's, 70's.

Cheers
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,485
30,801
Check with your doctor first Gaynor, but here is the general advice from the web on exercise and this condition (which can often strike at earlier ages):

Is Exercise Safe If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Is exercise safe? Yes -- certain kinds of exercise are proven to be safe for people with rheumatoid arthritis. There are three types you can do: stretching, strengthening, and conditioning.
  • Stretching exercises are the simplest and easiest. They consist of stretching and holding different joint and muscle groups for 10 to 30 seconds each. Stretching improves flexibility, and daily stretching is the basis for any exercise program.
  • Strength exercises involve working the muscle against resistance. This can be either with or without weights. Resistance training strengthens the muscle and increases the amount of activity you can do pain-free.
  • Conditioning exercise, also called aerobic exercise, improves cardiovascular fitness. There are countless benefits to aerobic exercise! Among them, it makes your heart and blood vessels healthier, prevents disability, and improves mood and well-being. Good conditioning exercises for people with rheumatoid arthritis include low-impact activities like walking, swimming, bicycling, or using an elliptical machine. Any of these will get your heart pumping.

    After being cleared by your doctor, you should try to do 20 to 30 minutes of low-impact conditioning exercise on as many days as you feel you can. More is better, but any amount is better than none at all!
Taken from this site
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Gaynor

Pedelecer
Nov 28, 2006
152
2
Again thankyou Flec I will go to my Dr, though I have another hospital visit coming up soon, and although its another issue could ask the consultant, I give regaular blood tests, from being on the dreaded drug Interferon, theres no way you would feel like riding a bike on that, it makes you very moody sleepy and generally miserable, but it worked for me, but through that I am sure it gave me other bodily problems, as it says on links, as your defence mechanism isnt working while ungergoing this treatment, but through this the blood tests I gave have showed other problems, but the longer time passes I think some issues lessen too.

I think ive walked under too many ladders, or broke too many mirrors (not exactly lucky)

Walks away singing 'Always look on the bright side of life do do dadodadodado' ;)

Warm regards
Gaynor
 

broombank

Finding my (electric) wheels
Apr 8, 2010
7
0
rheumatoid arthritis

Don't feel old Gaynor !- Rheumatoid arthritis has nothing to do with age - unlike Osteoarthritis which is about joints 'wearing out ' with age and use . Rheumatoid is a so called 'autoimmune ' disease where your body fails to recognise its own tissue and attacks it as if it was alien! The drug regimes can help a great deal as they take down the inflamation which is what causes the pain and stiffness . Light exercise is OK - an electric bike suits you I think . Remember you are 40 not 70 ( I wish I was !! )