Regular cycling can ward off arthritis and reduce effects, says hospital consultant and orthopaedic surgeon

Lots of great advise and support
I'm 49 years old and just started cycling about two months ago. I started cycling to get fit and also try to fix some hip pain I was getting over the previous 8 months or so.
The original hip pain did seem to be improving, but I started to get pain (although not as bad) in the other side of the hip.
Long story short, I have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis yesterday.
I'm so glad that it seems that others are getting better with cycling.
I just picked up my new summer bike the day before the diagnosis :-0
So fingers crossed I can get the same results!
Cheers
Richard

There should be plenty of data to confirm or contradict the hypothesis that regular cycling reduces (or delays) the need for hip replacements, from countries, such as The Netherlands, where a large number of people cycle regularly, well into old age.

The data should be treated with some caution, as some countries may provide hip replacements more readily than others and, perhaps, with shorter waiting lists.

I wonder what the data says about arthritis of the wrist and hand, and how this has changed since the onset of the fashion for mountain-bike style handlebars and geometries...

I was diagnosed with Arthritis at 34. I had 6-years of trying various drugs that worked for a while but once the side effects kicked in, it wasn't worth having the minimal relief they offered.

I decided to stop taking the drugs and started cycling again. My arthritis is barely noticeable now and I have lost about a stone in weight without even trying. I reckon this study holds some water

I, like Jimbo, struggle with running. My feet even ache when I've been on a 2-hour trail round the shops (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it); but I can do 65-miles on the bike without feeling sore the following day.

I encourage anyone to take up cycling. I just wish I'd not had the 12-year break. I'm 43 now and fitter than I've ever been.

Keep pedalling!

I have arthriitis through too much running on the roads. I find that I can sit on my bike all day long and do not feel like an old man next day.If I was to run 2 miles I would be in a lot of discomfort the next day. I took up cycling 12 years ago and at 67 I am still cycling. I had hoped that I would still be running at 70 but know, God willing, I will still be cycling well in to my 70's Non impact sports/activities are to be recommended. Also listen to your body as you know your problems far better than an doctor. Warm weather also helps and a gentle stretch after a ride followed by a warm bath or shower.

I too am a sufferer. 54 now and had it for over 30 years in my right hip. I pretty much gave up proper riding 10 years ago but over the last 8 weeks have started again to try and combat it. Some pain but the odd ibuprofen and glucosamine/chondroitin seem to keep me going.
Trying to justify the buying of a new road bike, something more up to date and comfortable than my old Orbea!

I love going out on my bike but 20 yrs of rugby at a decent level have left my knees shot. I thought it was just me being optimistic but it seems riding the bike obviously does work.

Interesting article - with 'ritic knees I noticed they had definitely improved with a daily ride, and I feel the annoying pain coming back when I'm off the bike for more than a couple of days. When I get back on the bike, there's a slight pain hump but that goes away and the action of pedalling gets much better from then on. Keeping the joints working is the key.

Good to know I am not the only one to suffer at younger age too.

Although I also feel sorry for you Robin.

Very interesting article. As someone with premature and unfortunately relatively advanced osteo-arthritis in one hip (37 years old), I know that it can be very painful indeed. However there is a noticable improvement in both the hip mobility, and pain if i ensure that I spend at least some time on the bike every day.

Rather counter-intuitively, the harder the ride, the better the hip feels - presumably because it stimulates the muscles to support the joint better.

Always good to see that medical science is keeping up with my own observations.

Of course, I will take this as an excuse to spend even more time on the bike now!

Interesting indeed, I'm 74, nine years ago bad knees (work related)almost stopped my cycling, no power just pain at top of stroke. Fixed gear solved the problem getting the pedals over, never looked back. Always preferred fixed gear anyway. fixed gear for me flew in the face of logic but it saved my cycling. Still riding the track league by the way.

Really interesting article. Thanks