hillcrawler

I think the first two rule should be like this:

1. Don't ever mash.
2. Work on your quadriceps muscles.

You can add your own advices.

shoemakerpom

Take Triflex from GNC if your over 40 it works wonders for joints along side any arthritis medicine your already taking.

https://www.gnc.com/search/index.jsp?.../13200328&sr=1

big chainring 

Start your ride very slow. Ride the first 5-10 miles just turning the cranks( minimal effort) in a low gear.

Machka 

Loosen the shoes around the front of the foot ... and move your cleats back as far as they can go.

(My arthritis is in my right foot)

Velo Vol 

Avoid if possible.

hillcrawler

Mine is also more pronounced on my right leg, kneecap to be exact. Yours is on the foot ankle?

hillcrawler

Are you avoiding yourself? Then why are you still hanging out here?

rpenmanparker 

There's arthritis, and then there's arthritis. Anyone who complains to an orthopedist about pain risks hearing the dreaded, "It's age appropriate." Point is, after a certain age we all have some arthritis symptoms. Some much worse than others. In most cases it shouldn't prevent cycling. Take the medicine you need and can tolerate. Make the adjustments you have to such as more relaxed position. Invoke any other tricks you can like looser shoes, etc. But don't, I repeat, don't stop riding until it is the last resort. Have fun!

merlinextraligh

Actually not. I've had rheumatoid arthristis since I was 8 years old. Both the medical advice I've received, as well as my experience is that staying active helps rather than hurts.

And cycling is an ideal way to keep moving because it's not weight bearing.

Additionally to the extent that cycling helps in weight control, reducing the load on your joints it helps in that regard as well.

Thus, people with arthritis should ride as much as they can tolerate.

Velo Vol 

Avoid arthritis.

hillcrawler

Oh well, now it makes a sense!

My arthritis has gotten to a point that i cannot bend my knee to its full anymore (ie; i cannot touch my butt with my heels (actually, i can do that but it gives me a lot of pain if i try to do that)). I can describe my pain for the last few days as "boneache". Yes, my bones are aching like it has been hit with a baseball bat. What a depressing feeling! I think my condition is really bad considering my age (33). Ten years later, maybe i will not be able to walk let alone cycling. Maybe i should stop cycling and try to find another addiction like smoking or drinking.

hillcrawler

If you have a thing for natural remedies you can try ginger, turmeric and cherry stems. These are all proven anti inflammatories.

rangerdavid

I rode with arthritis once, but I dropped his ass on the first climb

popeye

Mine went away with anatabloc. Swollen joints way reduced to almost nothing.

Machka 

Toe joints.

rpenmanparker 

Are you aware of the advanced treatments for the autoimmune cause of your condition? Methotrexate, Humira, and such? It is not just about NSAIDs and steroids anymore.

surgeonstone

Motion is the lotion.
Arthrotec for severe persistent degenerative arthritis is a wonder. Ibuprofen for milder arthritis. And a joint replacement when you stop being able to sleep at night because of the pain. I had hip number 1 replaced 3 years ago. I figure hip number 2 will be in another couple of years at this rate. But what is critical to remember... to stop exercising will make the pain worse not better.,

surgeonstone

Oh, and never, ever, EVER take narcotics for arthritic pain. Not even the pseudo narcotics like ultram. Down that path lays misery and heartache and disaster. NSAIDS only, then surgery if necessary.

surgeonstone

For Rheumatoid A. yes, for degenerative no.

Machka 

So osteoarthritis is degenerative? And there isn't a whole lot that can be done?

nuke_diver

If only it was so easy....multiple knee surgeries and a couple of car accidents are responsible for me not avoiding it. Biking is good for the knees but not so much for the neck though I am adapting there. Not sure if I could make a century though which is a goal

surgeonstone

Osteoarthritis is synonymous with degenerative arthritis. Motion, low impact exercise, NSAID's are all effective. Weight loss if overweight is critical (figure out the extra work/impact in a person 30 lbs overweight over a day of activity/walking- a non inconsiderable amount). When pain is unbearable in that it prevents effective sleep/activity then joint replacement is indicated and is quite wonderful.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a much more serious condition with an autoimmune origin, more difficult to treat and often requiring more dangerous drugs ( methotrexate, Plaquinal, steroids ).

Machka 

Do they do joint replacements of toe joints?

rpenmanparker 

Thanks for the explanation. The term degenerative was confusing to me, because I thought it referred to the result of the arthritis as in the permanent joint swelling, etc. that occurs more commonly in the rheumatoid variety. But now I understand it refers to the cause of the arthritis, the gradual degeneration of the joint with age as imperfections develop rather than the autoimmune response. Or do I still have it screwed up?

surgeonstone

Not well