My arthritic knees are getting so bad, walking is becoming increasingly difficult, as it affects my balance and stability. Obviously, if I was able to walk more, I would build up muscle strength and the ligaments around the knee. I was wondering if I should invest in an exercise bike, to slowly build up my strength, as it is low impact I believe. At present only going out once a week to do some shopping, when I used to go out daily. When I do go out, I need to use a rollator to give me balance, etc. I have had arthritis for nearly 30 years, my right knee is bone on bone and my left is not quite so bad. They won't consider replacements due to congestive heart failure, sleep apnoea and a retrosternal thyroid. I desperately what to avoid being marooned in my flat. I am a big guy, so if there anyone here with the same problem (you have my sympathy) any advice gratefully received. Stay safe everyone.
Exercise bikes?: My arthritic knees are... - Arthritis Action
Exercise bikes?
Hi
I did get a leg exerciser whilst I was waiting for replacement knee surgery -certainly helped…
But you do need to have a good look at the options, there is a wide variety, ranging from cheap and cheerful to quite expensive. You certainly need a robust one -maybe a look at the big A online as a start to get an idea.
Thanks very much. I have decided to buy one rather than wait for the NHS. Stay well.
Probably a good idea….but as you will not get replacement because of other issues, no harm in trying to get some help from NHS (if you can) to manage pain long term.
Exercise is so important to keep your muscles strong enough to support your joints. As you live in the UK you can self-refer yourself to your local NHS physiotherapists. Could be six month wait though.
So in the meantime search the website Versus Arthritis, or there are other arthritis charities, and maybe give one or more of them a ring.
Hi wb54, While I was waiting for my knee replacement I was able to fill in a self referral form online to give me 12 weeks of free access to a local gym. The programme was led by a physio who discussed my concerns and physical abilities. I was concerned that I was developing muscle waste in my thighs due to not being to walk far due to the arthritis. I had met the criteria of a high BMI and being registered to a UK GP. I am amazed how much progress I have made, I can cycle 7k, walk 1.5k on the treadmill and do a range of weight bearing exercises to strengthen my hamstrings and glutes. Mentally, I have also benefitted. Before this experience I had not done any gym or dance classes for 15 years. My knee replacement date is within the next couple of weeks and I know that I will have to exercise that to regain movement. This sort of programme may be useful to you. Good luck and take care.
I go swimming and have become a nutrition guru. I bore everyone stiff!! Swimming is a good way to get some muscle improvement. Also you could do aqua aerobics. It is not so painful on your knees.
At present I am more or less flat bound, so I see the bike the first stage of being able to walk further than 20 yards safely. I did try the swimming idea, but being a rather rotund guy, the sarcastic comments by some people put me off unfortunately. Perhaps I am too sensitive and being around more than a few people I get quite stressed. Basically, I am a mess😂Thank you for replying it is like all the other replies much appreciated.
People can be so cruel and thoughtless at times...but if it stresses you, then best to avoid. Does local pool do sessions for people with arthritis or other health issues, if so, other participants are likely to be less judgemental.
That is really sad. I think people are actually quite impressed when people who appear not so fit are making an effort. Swimming is so good for arthritis as the water takes your weight. You also start to get to know people. I go for a coffee and a snack afterwards.
Your story is very similar to my own. State of my knees sounds comparable as does my ability to walk and size issues. I do have an exercise bike and outdoor bike. At the moment (my latest flare has never fully finished yet) I can't manage to climb onto my exercise bike but my out
door one is a Brompton which means I can unfold it but not put the seat up. I can then stand still whilst my husband slides it into place and then raises the seat! Reverse true for dismounting. Pedalling is still extremely painful on my worst leg, I have modified my pedal style somewhat to manage this a little but am hoping that it I keep going it will improve soon. I just thought I'd tell you that yes an exercise bike is a great idea but don't be discouraged if it isn't the magic bullet immediately. Literally 1 minute of pedalling is a start if you can do it and something to build on. Let's face it we are experts at pushing on through pain, but do it safely and I am sure you will see results.
As for the swimming, I occasionally go swimming and appreciate your issues totally. I have to build up my courage to go and am very easily dissuaded, and I haven't had any nasty comments., but do fear them. When I go, I go to an adults only swim session that runs at the same time as the disability swimming session. This means I am pretty invisible in the pool, as most are too busy with their own business and friends. Are there any sessions like that in your area? It's the changing rooms I really hate though. Plenty of cubicles and lockers but they are unisex and multi function meaning some ultra fit, mainly younger people are there for the gym and classes , which makes me ultra self conscious and uncomfortable but I do repeat nobody has said anything to me so can only imagine how horrible it is for you.
You obviously have a little more confidence and courage than me. But I do appreciate hearing your experience. I sometimes think I am the only person with these sorts of problems, which is daft as so ably demonstrated here. My exercise bike has arrived, and I start peddling tomorrow, so I have high hopes of getting more stability and getting out and about more, as I have always loved doing. Thanks again and good luck to you.
I have never thought of myself as having much confidence or courage, quite the opposite in fact so thank you- just goes to show perhaps the image we have of ourselves isn't always accurate! I am glad that your bike has arrived. Keep us all posted as to how you get on, I am sure you will inspire some of us to give it a go/ keep trying.
Thanks for your kind words. I have only been doing a steady 10 minutes a day' usually in two 5-minute sessions, so unlikely you will see me in the Tour de France any time soon. I am just beginning to feel comfortable on it and don't feel I will fall off, which I did feel the first time. Taking everything in slow motion but I am very glad I have started. Too early to tell if it is helping but it certainly doesn't seem to be doing me any harm. Good luck.
you might try a mini exercise bike like this one amzn.eu/d/2QrSeH7 (not recommending this model, just for illustration purposes) as they are cheaper and take up less space
Thanks. I did have a look at them, but I have opted for a "normal" one that folds up, a bit like an ironing board. Besides strengthening the knees, I am hoping it will do the same for all my leg muscles, so I have more stability, rather than struggling with balance. Thanks again for replying. Stay well as you can.
thanks 4 sharing this... Good idea... just ordered one today n hope it helps. God bless u
I have found cycling to be very beneficial to my arthritic knee problem. This has helped with aching knees in bed so far though I will probably be forced to use an indoor machine in the Winter period.
I would recommend investing in an electric bike initially which will give you some confidence and help with fitness before progressing to a normal bike. I have found this to be exercising with a smile on my face😀
Cheers Jaste, my balance is not good so inflicting myself on other road users will not be a good idea. I have bought an indoor exercise bike and see how I go. I had always enjoyed cycling 45 years ago, not sure with the additional traffic I would have the confidence. Thanks for your reply and stay safe out there.
hey I'm a big girl so I know wot u mean... it just feels like a vicious circle. U can only keep trying with the low impact stuff and hopefully that will help. Check out YouTube for low impact videos they help keep u active
It can be very depressing and demoralising. I live on my own and some days it seems so much easier not to do anything than have a go. Kneesandtoes mentioned a couple of sites on YouTube, so I will check them out and have a look what else is available. I have to watch what I do as I also have congestive heart failure. I suppose if I do everything slowly I will be fine. Good luck.
There are a lot of good exercises on YouTube. If you look up Bob and Brad’s website you will find all their knee exercises in one program. I have been doing some of theirs to strengthen my hips and funnily enough they are the same as those I did when my knee was bad. El Paso emphasises the importance of having strong glute muscles. You will find him if you search on knee exercises.
It was miserable not being able to walk. I am so grateful that I somehow found the perseverance carry on with the exercises, I hope you do the same.
Well, let me congratulate you for doing so well and for the encouragement. I never think of looking at YouTube that often. I will look up both of the sites you mention. Good luck to you.
yeah true it is depressing n demoralising I totally get it... I hate going out n feel like a burden to friends n fam.
It does sometimes feel easier 2 shut everyone n everything out... but I no dats not the right thing 2 do. We just gotta keep pushing ourselves to keep trying n never give up. U got this ♥️
Good luck to you, as you say keep going forward and resist the temptation to just sit back.
Hi. My husband has an exercise bike, which he tries to use daily. He has a Pacemaker, & uses the bike to keep mobile. However, you can use a
chair to do exercise. Movement of any kind is important. He is over
6 ft & in his 80s. “ Life is like riding a bycycle, to keep your balance you
have to be on the move”
Best Wishes
Slivia
Thanks, Slivia. After such a short use my balance seems a little better, I assume my leg muscles are strengthening up a bit. At the moment it is the best investment I have made in years.
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