Cycling with Arthritis
There are many types of arthritis suffered by members of the community and the support we can offer with assistive technology will vary depending on your condition and how it affects your daily life.
An article copied here addresses many of the opportunities which bike riding can offer those suffering from this debilitating disease and how it can maybe make things feel better:
Biking is Great For Your Joints
Outdoor or indoor, cycling is one of the most effective workouts for people with arthritis. The continuous motion that's part of cycling is very helpful for arthritic joints says Joseph Garry, MD, an associate professor in the division of sports medicine at the University of Minnesota.
The more the joint moves through its full range of motion, the more synovial fluid is produced. This lubricates the joint so you move more easily the rest of the day. It's effective whether you break a sweat or take it easy.
When good weather is calling, then it's a great time to get started for the first time or back to your regular routine. If you don't exercise regularly, start with 10 minutes of cycling at a low resistance, and gradually increase resistance, time and frequency, says Dr. Garry. Your goal should be 20 to 30 minutes of cycling a day.
Easy Rider
Where there's a wheel, there's a way. More than ever, bikes are geared to nearly all abilities. Consider these three types for your next spin.
Comfort bikes: As the name suggests, these bikes are built for comfort. The high-handlebar allows pedal pushers to ride in a more neutral, upright and relaxed position, which can reduce stress on the back, shoulders and arms. The suspension below the wide, comfortable seat cushions the rider from shocks and bumps. They're best for flat, paved roads.
Trikes: The three wheels of a trike provides stability and are perfect for people with compromised balance or who never learned to ride a two-wheeled bike. You and your partner could try a side by side dual trikes if you want to ride together. At EveryBody eBikes we have a wide range of trikes and semi-recumbents which will hopefully make things so much easier for you to ride. All our range is offered as an electric trike with the ability to ride with no pedal assisted power or with you deciding how much power you need to help you get from A to B.
Hand-only or Foot-Hand Cycles. You can pedal from a seated position by foot or by hand. It can be a good way to get an upper lower body workout. You can use the handlebar only or the foot pedals only or both at the same time. At EveryBody eBikes, we have limited stock of foot-hand cycles including ones suited to the very young.
Sources: Modified from http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/biking-exercise-for-arthritis/