Thankfully, cycling is one of the sports least affected by joint pain due to its lack of impact and the fact that the bike takes most of your weight. But that doesn’t mean cyclists are immune to joint pain.
Many joint problems are related to arthritis — notably osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis tends to be more common as you age because the bones in joints deteriorate or change shape through wear and tear, but it can also affect athletes and keen exercisers through joint overuse.
Most commonly, osteoarthritis is typified by a reduction in cartilage in the joint cavity that leaves the area prone to further degradation from bone-on-bone contact. Arthritis can also be caused by injury. Disgraced pro rider Floyd Landis is such a case, after a broken hip led to osteonecrosis — a condition where the head of the femur starts to die due to a lack of blood supply.
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With rheumatoid arthritis the synovial fluid is affected, making joints less flexible — a classic example of an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Another joint problem is gout, caused by an increased concentration of uric acid in the body. The acid then turns into microscopic crystals that collect around the joints, often starting in the big toe.
As joint conditions affect the synovial fluid and cartilage, resulting in inflammation, a nutritional approach focuses on supporting and promoting the production of these two substances, together with anti-inflammatory measures.
What to feed your joints
Salmon & other oily fish (mackerel, sardines, herring, fresh tuna, trout, kippers, anchovies, halibut): Rich in omega 3 fats, which have anti-inflammatory effects and have been shown to ease symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A good source of protein for the repair of damaged joints, plus vitamin D.
Supplementary helpers
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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