Recumbent exercise bike

Judoc

Hi, slipped on the stairs, pinched a nerve and tore/ pulled leg muscles and now, since after weeks of seeing an oesteopath the pain didn't go, finally gave in and saw the doctor who sent me for x-rays and voila, I have arthritis in my hip. Now my other leg is playing up and the doctor says it's quite likely that's arthritis too....

I am seeing a physio but so far the exercises don't seem to make a lot of difference ( I know I have to be patient!) but my daughter is selling her recumbent exercise bike and I just wonder whether anyone has had experience of using one of these to build up leg muscles to help with hip arthritis?

Thanks, Julie

Anna

Hello @Judoc and welcome to the online forum,

You’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of one hip and are now experiencing pain in the other leg which also might be due arthritis. You are wondering about the benefits of a recumbent exercise bike.

Exercise is proved to help with the pain of arthritis, as long as it’s undertaken gradually and appropriately. Your daughter is right to tell you to be patient with the physio exercises - it can take a while before you feel any benefit, but you are slowly building up strength in your muscles which will help to support your hips and alleviate the pain. Recumbent exercise bikes are also good for building up strength especially since they are low impact so won’t hurt your joints. Again, taking it slowly to begin with is important. The Arthritis Foundation in the USA has an interesting piece on the benefits of stationary exercise bikes for people with hip arthritis- you can read it here:

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/benefits-of-stationary-biking

Other members might like to share their experiences with you - I know that several of our members go to the gym to use the equipment.

Best wishes, and do let us know how you get on,

Anna ( Mod)

Judoc

Thank you Anna, appreciated.