Originally Posted by
avidone1
I too have some arthritis in my knee. My neck and back are worse but it's in the knee too.
I really don't like to wear braces of any sort. I believe they are totally counter productive.
The only way I've known to be effective against the discomfort of arthritis is movement and strength.
I ride and I go to gym. My neck and back issues improved with fitness, bike fit, and some adaptations e.g. riser stem, selle smp saddle etc.
My knee pain improved by doing squats (very carefully with no or light weight) and the stair climber.
braces weaken joints, and that's not how one improves.
I really agree with this post. Blew my left knee at 19 yr/old, many subsequent injuries to both knees over the years. Docs told me NOT to run, but combining riding/running/strength/yoga/eliptical/swimming etc works very well for me. I can triathlon, run 5Ks etc. but driving a car for a couple of hours and I can barely walk at first . . . I also highly recommend PT. I still try to do some of those exercises and really help . . .