Riding with arthritis

[spyderjo333]

I am in my 50s and have arthritis. I have carpal tunnel and I've had 3 surgeries. So far, this hasn't been an issue with my hands because they
are held straight when I ride as a passenger. I don't drive the bike. I have noticed achy knees and had my husband move the foot rests. It has helped some.
I have arthritis in my toes and doubt that much can be done to the bike or me to change that. My question is how do you deal with it if you have those or other
issues? Thanks. We will be doing an overnight trip soon so I will be on the bike for several hours.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I am in my 50s and have arthritis. I have carpal tunnel and I've had 3 surgeries. So far, this hasn't been an issue with my hands because they
are held straight when I ride as a passenger. I don't drive the bike. I have noticed achy knees and had my husband move the foot rests. It has helped some.
I have arthritis in my toes and doubt that much can be done to the bike or me to change that. My question is how do you deal with it if you have those or other
issues? Thanks. We will be doing an overnight trip soon so I will be on the bike for several hours.

What has your doctor said about how to deal with it? (Not being sarcastic, just wanting to know.) If he said to flex your joints frequently you can do that while riding. Do ankle exercises, flex/release your toes if your shoes permit room, same with fingers, etc.

I think I'm getting some arthritis in my fingers and find it helps to use my cruise control and flex my fingers frequently.

 

[spydaman60]

are you a passenger on an rs, rt or f3? do you have floor boards? these details might help some of us help you!

 

[Mick N]

Sorry to hear of your aches and aggravations.

I'll be 69 in a few days and have arthritis in my hands, feet, shoulders, and some new places this year, as well as D.I.S.H... I'll save you time in wondering what that is... Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH, also known as Forestier's disease, senile ankylosing spondylosis, and ankylosing hyperostosis) is a non-inflammatory spondyloarthropathy of the spine. It is characterized by spiny ankylosis and enthesopathy (ossification of the ligaments and entheses). It most commonly affects the thoracic and thoraco-lumbar spine, but involvement is variable and can include the entire spine.[SUP][1][/SUP] The disc spaces, facet and sacroiliac joints remain unaffected. Diagnosis requires confluent ossification of at least 4 contiguous vertebral bodies.[SUP][1][/SUP] Classically, advanced disease may have "melted candle wax" appearance along the spine on radiographic studies.[SUP][2]
[/SUP]

I usually tell people that I'm getting a rigid frame, can't easily do simple things like bending over to pick up things, put on my shoes, etc. Not complaining, just trying help you relate.

You can ride more comfortably, but it may take some trial and error, and money, to find out how. I ride a 2012 RT... I replaced the following with all Can-Am parts: seat - gave me another few inches of wiggle room; handlebars - adjustable handlebars, gives me some options for arm position; front footpegs - front floorboards - gives me room to move my feet to different positions. And a non-Can-Am strap-on air cushion.

All contribute to my overall degree of comfort, but none are the solution. I still start squirming on the seat/floorboards after an hour+ into a ride, but did manage a two hour ride earlier this summer. But I was squirming a lot by the end of the ride. Far cry from the days of riding straight through to Daytona on two wheels.

But, I'm still riding. Year round. And I will continue until when... Some ride is better than no ride.

Talk to other riders for ideas, see what worked for them... that might work for you. Dress for comfort as well as function.

Be prepared to spend time, and some money, to find out works for you. I'm kind of stubborn and don't take any aspirin, etc... but as a co-rider, a few aspirin may help your discomfort tolerance ;>)

Ride safe and enjoy.

 

[MikeT]

My Passenger Has Bad Knees

Coming for H-D motorcycles and GoldWing trikes, I'm surprised that a Kuryakn style Transformer floor board hasn't been made for the Spyder passenger floor boards. The ability for my wife to change her foot position during the ride was an enormous help to her. When we would head out on a long trip she would take her PTC pain reliever of choice to help too. At our age, we make it a point to get off the bike/trike every couple of hours just to stretch/flex and empty our bladders.

 

[ARtraveler]

Some suggestions from someone who has to deal with severe pain issues and riding sometimes.

Floorboards do help to make it easier to adjust your foot position. If you have an RT this should be no problem for you as a passenger.

I have two seat pads which can be used separately or in combination if I need to get a stretch on my legs to change position. Sheepskin/gel pad and a Airhawk pad. This give me three different riding positions as well as the ability to move the legs and hip joints.

On bad days, I need to take a rest every 40 to 50 miles. Getting off the seat and stretching the legs helps.

I am not ready to give up riding yet, so my arsenal of helps is with me all the time.

 

[spyderjo333]

are you a passenger on an rs, rt or f3? do you have floor boards? these details might help some of us help you!

I am a passenger on a RT and up until we bought it almost 3 months ago I had never even sat on a motorcycle of any kind!

 

[spyderjo333]

Some suggestions from someone who has to deal with severe pain issues and riding sometimes.

Floorboards do help to make it easier to adjust your foot position. If you have an RT this should be no problem for you as a passenger.

I have two seat pads which can be used separately or in combination if I need to get a stretch on my legs to change position. Sheepskin/gel pad and a Airhawk pad. This give me three different riding positions as well as the ability to move the legs and hip joints.

On bad days, I need to take a rest every 40 to 50 miles. Getting off the seat and stretching the legs helps.

I am not ready to give up riding yet, so my arsenal of helps is with me all the time.

Thanks for input. I had my second child almost 29 years ago and when I had the epidural they hit the sciatic nerve. I haven't had any pain until today on that side, had a cramp. We
got to a red light so I readjusted my sitting position which seamed to help. I had minor pain a couple of weeks ago on the left sciatic nerve and I hadn't felt that since my daughter was about 2 or 3.

 

[spyderjo333]

What has your doctor said about how to deal with it? (Not being sarcastic, just wanting to know.) If he said to flex your joints frequently you can do that while riding. Do ankle exercises, flex/release your toes if your shoes permit room, same with fingers, etc.

I think I'm getting some arthritis in my fingers and find it helps to use my cruise control and flex my fingers frequently.

My doctor is great, but he is moving so we have to find another one. He has discussed all my issues: carpal tunnel, Achilles tendonitis (which started up for the first time summer 2014)
and as far as the foot tendons go he did say to stretch them. I have been on Naporsyn (naproxen) for over 15 years for the carpal tunnel. I do flex my feet and point them during a ride.
I guess getting off and moving around helps. My question to you and any of you reading this, how often do you get off for a break and how long of a break do you take? We will be
taking an overnight trip soon and it will be over 300 miles long. Hubby seams to think we can do it in one day.

 

[spyderjo333]

Sorry to hear of your aches and aggravations.

I'll be 69 in a few days and have arthritis in my hands, feet, shoulders, and some new places this year, as well as D.I.S.H... I'll save you time in wondering what that is... Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH, also known as Forestier's disease, senile ankylosing spondylosis, and ankylosing hyperostosis) is a non-inflammatory spondyloarthropathy of the spine. It is characterized by spiny ankylosis and enthesopathy (ossification of the ligaments and entheses). It most commonly affects the thoracic and thoraco-lumbar spine, but involvement is variable and can include the entire spine.[SUP][1][/SUP] The disc spaces, facet and sacroiliac joints remain unaffected. Diagnosis requires confluent ossification of at least 4 contiguous vertebral bodies.[SUP][1][/SUP] Classically, advanced disease may have "melted candle wax" appearance along the spine on radiographic studies.[SUP][2]
[/SUP]

I usually tell people that I'm getting a rigid frame, can't easily do simple things like bending over to pick up things, put on my shoes, etc. Not complaining, just trying help you relate.

You can ride more comfortably, but it may take some trial and error, and money, to find out how. I ride a 2012 RT... I replaced the following with all Can-Am parts: seat - gave me another few inches of wiggle room; handlebars - adjustable handlebars, gives me some options for arm position; front footpegs - front floorboards - gives me room to move my feet to different positions. And a non-Can-Am strap-on air cushion.

All contribute to my overall degree of comfort, but none are the solution. I still start squirming on the seat/floorboards after an hour+ into a ride, but did manage a two hour ride earlier this summer. But I was squirming a lot by the end of the ride. Far cry from the days of riding straight through to Daytona on two wheels.

But, I'm still riding. Year round. And I will continue until when... Some ride is better than no ride.

Talk to other riders for ideas, see what worked for them... that might work for you. Dress for comfort as well as function.

Be prepared to spend time, and some money, to find out works for you. I'm kind of stubborn and don't take any aspirin, etc... but as a co-rider, a few aspirin may help your discomfort tolerance ;>)

Ride safe and enjoy.[/QUO

Thanks for the info. I am a passenger on the RT. I had never been on a motorcycle before. We will have ours for 3 months in a couple of days. These are all ongoing problems, but now I have to apply my doctor's suggestions to the use of the bike.

 

[MikeT]

300 miles is very doable in one day. Even if you get off the bike every 100 miles for 10-15 minutes for a rest stop, and/or gas. may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions. We're going to go on a similar length trip in early Sept. Our usual freeway route is a mess, so we're going to go the scenic route.

 

[ARtraveler]

My doctor is great, but he is moving so we have to find another one. He has discussed all my issues: carpal tunnel, Achilles tendonitis (which started up for the first time summer 2014)
and as far as the foot tendons go he did say to stretch them. I have been on Naporsyn (naproxen) for over 15 years for the carpal tunnel. I do flex my feet and point them during a ride.
I guess getting off and moving around helps. My question to you and any of you reading this, how often do you get off for a break and how long of a break do you take? We will be
taking an overnight trip soon and it will be over 300 miles long. Hubby seams to think we can do it in one day.

Three hundred miles in a day seems to be doable for you folks. My earlier suggestion of every 50 miles or so--or--stop and smell the roses as opportunity presents itself--and--gas every 100 miles or so. Peace of mind, pit stop, snackies. You should be good to go.

 

[spyderjo333]

300 miles is very doable in one day. Even if you get off the bike every 100 miles for 10-15 minutes for a rest stop, and/or gas. may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions. We're going to go on a similar length trip in early Sept. Our usual freeway route is a mess, so we're going to go the scenic route.

Mike, my husband says he doesn't want to do all highway, but he doesn't want to take 3 days to get there either. I am still getting used to tractor trailers when they pass us when we
are going about 60-65 mph. I just hope we have a good trip. We are retired, so time isn't an issue. Thanks for the advice.

 

[MikeT]

You're welcome. Usually the scenic/curvy road route only adds 1-2 hours to a trip. Mostly because you're not going 70-80 MPH. We're retired also .Hopeyouhave a good trip too.

Mike, my husband says he doesn't want to do all highway, but he doesn't want to take 3 days to get there either. I am still getting used to tractor trailers when they pass us when we
are going about 60-65 mph. I just hope we have a good trip. We are retired, so time isn't an issue. Thanks for the advice.

 

[bmccaffrey]

ADVIL :thumbup:

 

[loisk]

heat

I know it's your summer there, but when cooler days or evenings arrive, I'd suggest heat - eg heated vest (I LOVE mine) and they even make heated insoles for your boots which may help - except on hot days I guess... haha. Whatever the weather I wear merino (wool) or bamboo socks (and boots of course) - lovely and soft and help my toes enormously.

 

[spyderjo333]

Coming for H-D motorcycles and GoldWing trikes, I'm surprised that a Kuryakn style Transformer floor board hasn't been made for the Spyder passenger floor boards. The ability for my wife to change her foot position during the ride was an enormous help to her. When we would head out on a long trip she would take her PTC pain reliever of choice to help too. At our age, we make it a point to get off the bike/trike every couple of hours just to stretch/flex and empty our bladders.[/QUOTE

Mike, thanks for the input. I think we will probably stop every 45 minutes to 1 hour at the very least

 

[spyderjo333]

ADVIL :thumbup:

bmc, I am on prescription naporsyn for carpal tunnel.

 

[lesa]

I am in my 50s and have arthritis. I have carpal tunnel and I've had 3 surgeries. So far, this hasn't been an issue with my hands because they
are held straight when I ride as a passenger. I don't drive the bike. I have noticed achy knees and had my husband move the foot rests. It has helped some.
I have arthritis in my toes and doubt that much can be done to the bike or me to change that. My question is how do you deal with it if you have those or other
issues? Thanks. We will be doing an overnight trip soon so I will be on the bike for several hours.

have u tried curcumin for ur arthritis pain?--did wonders for me!

 

[sandeejs]

My question to you and any of you reading this, how often do you get off for a break and how long of a break do you take? We will be
taking an overnight trip soon and it will be over 300 miles long. Hubby seams to think we can do it in one day.

I take a lot of long trips, how often I stop depends on how I feel. Generally I have to stop for gas every 130 miles, so that's a convenient stopping time. It matches my bladder capacity, too!
To increase comfort and reduce pain and stiffening up, I have several different leg positions I use. (Sounds dirty, but I ride fully clothed.) I also march in place, kick out my legs, stand on the pegs sometimes, dance a bit etc. Since I usually ride solo, I have highway pegs, standard pegs and passenger pegs to move around on.
Have you tried or thought about having a second pair of boots & socks to change to midway thru the 300 mile ride? Perhaps the change will provide relief for your sore toes. Walking around at the gas stops helps me with stiffness, and I sometimes do some stretches on the way to the ladies room.

Hope you find some of the ideas in this thread useful and enjoy your big trip!

~Sandee`