Should I cycle 7 miles to work (14 total)

Baloo

I'm shuffling to work on public transport about 8,000 - 12,000 steps a day, with stiff hips, knees, and ankles, and a curious side affect is I can now jump on my bicycle and its almost as if nothing was ever wrong. Legs get over the saddle, knees work, arms feel kind of dodgy but nothing wobbly happens. It feels great. Should I seriously consider going ahead and try to cycle the whole way to work and back. It's a long way. What if it sets off a worse condition?

Lilymary

Start small. Build up slowly, that way you’ll find out how much you can do before you get to the point of making things worse. But with arthritis, if you can find a form of exercise you can do without aggravating your condition, go for it. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you’re doing too much.

stickywicket

I'm 100% wirh @Lilymary . I'd just add to have a Plan B. First ensure you can do 7 miles. Then, maybe, cycle to work but take transport home. Next day transport to work and cycle home. If that works a few times then go for the full whack. I'm sure it'll be good for you if you can do it comfortably.

JenHB

You'll know the route - i.e. how hilly it is, how prone to catching any wind (there's a couple of short cycles I do which seem very prone to a headwind - and I'm in Nottingham). Would an electric bike help? (My Mum had a hip replacement a few years ago and really likes her electric bike especially when it comes to hills!)

Baloo

@JenHB Electric bicycle might be too heavy, but I certainly think bicycle adaptions will help. So far I took off the toeclips so can stop safer without my feet getting stuck in the straps. My legs and ankles are too slow now for toeclips. On my trail bicycle I lowered the saddle so I can get my leg over. I won't be able to go as fast, but I better not go fast anyway. Bicycle shop has suggested twist grip gears instead of thumb operated. My thumbs have always ached, so I might consider it. I had a bicycle once before with twist grip gears. I suspect it's going to be more important to keep the cables free to operate in either case, so they need less force. I don't know yet on that one.

Baloo

@Lilymary @stickywicket yes. Been to the local health centre, and the local garage. It was fine except for safety I dismounted more often than usual. I'm getting a slight twinge in my right knee when I stop, but nothing like it was before.

frogmorton

Well done@Baloo nice and steady build up and see how it goes so far so good👍️

Lilymary

Well done @Baloo , adaptation is the key to keeping going around our arthritis! I hope you'll have many happy years, and miles, of cycling ahead of you. Do keep us posted re how the adaptations work, and any more you make, it will really help others in a similar position.

Baloo

I tried cycling in flight socks this weekend and found they were so comfortable. There is a bit of an ongoing story to them. My feet have been swollen and then I came out in a rash (venous excema), so the dermatologist has advised I wear compression stockings. Meanwhile we had some flight socks so I tried those. I think the flight socks have made such a difference to put my feet and legs back into shape, probably reducing cramp, and adding ankle support so I will discuss all this when I get measured up for proper stockings, and see if longer stockings can provide knee support as well.

CuriousSquirrel

I have been cycling to work, around 4.5 miles each way and a pretty active job when I get there. I don't feel the cycling has aggravated anything, in fact I think it helps! It's low impact exercise for the knees and hips. My main struggle is I can't turn my neck very far and I get sore shoulders from leaning forwards, but I definitely think that overall cycling helps rather than harms.

I've just quit that job to be a cycling gardener so will be doing lots of smaller rides between jobs but definitely planning to keep cycling!

I hope it's going well for you.

Peebs

I find cycling helps my knees. Did a 44 mile ride with cycling club at the weekend - whereas walking is absolute agony. Do use ice packs for 10 mins each hour after wards. Also use kinesiology tape in a horizontal oval above and below knee cap to support the joint.

Baloo

It's great to hear from you and see how well your adapting to cycling. @Peebs alas I only tried velcro knee pads so far as kneeling hurts like mad! @CuriousSquirrel yes, the ergonomics is so real. I had to drop the saddle on my trail bike to feel safe enough to get on it. I noticed it involved leaning forwards more, which might aggravate something. I used to be a 'look no hands' person, but I guess not any more. I will be wanting a good solid grip on those bars in future.

Baloo

I think I have eased the stiff thumb levers on the bicycle so they run smoother. The levers have always hurt my thumbs. I put some dry lube on the cables where they go into the plastic grooves under the crankshaft. Looks like it needs renewing, One of the cables was frayed and I think the plastic is worn through. Then, I cycled to the bank and got some ice cream for the Jubilee.

Baloo

@Peebs found a roll of kinesiology tape and thought it was quite handy. 4 rolls left. Went shopping, and I didn't get any twinge in my knee, except the tape rode up a bit and the shop didn't sell any whole jubilee sponge cake, only slices. I didn't bother with ice, but I notice we are talking about knees here. Quite critical that knees should keep working. Happy World Bicycle Day.

Baloo

Not much happening. I go out on the bicycle for errands up to a mile and back. I'm a bit stiff in the morning so I am thinking it would be no use for long journeys. It's easier to use the bicycle later in the day, so I can and I do. There it has stayed for the time being. Getting out of first gear is a bit tricky, my thumb is too weak so I use my palm on the lever if I have to.

Baloo

Finally caught COVID, which has left it's mark in the form of a cough. Finally went out on the mountain bike as I was not feeling too stiff, and visited some old haunts, but no sign of a cough while out in the fresh air.

stickywicket

So sorry you got covid, Baloo, but pleased it seems to be in retreat.