Chubz Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Am I just getting old, 38, or whats up with my hips, knees, ankles and lower back? While I can appreciate being sore from a good solid day of riding, I feel as though I am in constant "ach" mode in my hips, knees, lower back and ankles for most of the time. besides advil, are there any supplements I can take, like glucosamine or anything to help lessen the continual nagging aches. I get to ride from 2-4 mornings per week and also do cardio and some weights at the gym 2-3 evenings per week, so I dont know if that influences it. I know I am not 22 anymore, but cmon now. Any input would be appreciated and refrain from humor replies Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpyride Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Maybe water and Bananas. Keep hydrated, all your joints depend on lubrication. Lack of potasium will cause some aches. Also check on your diet in general. Google Potasium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furi Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Maybe water and Bananas. Keep hydrated, all your joints depend on lubrication. Lack of potasium will cause some aches. Also check on your diet in general.Google Potasium. I second hydration...with the amount of exercise you doing make sure to stay hydrated. I would say just around a gallon a day if you can manage that much (and all the trips to the bathroom :)). Potassium is also very helpful to get rid of craps and aches. I also take a glutamine supplement when I'm having a heavy few weeks of exercise to help my body recover faster. Info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamine What is your normal activity level? Are you starting all the riding and cardio all of a sudden or have you gradually ramped up your activity level? Did the pains and aches just start? Or have they been consistent? Other things to consider - take a long bath to allow your muscles to relax. Try adding light stretching every morning, then gradually increase to stretching every morning and night. And make sure you are getting a solid 8+ hours of sleep. As we grow older we tend to sleep less, but your body still needs the same amount of sleep time to relax and recover and heal over the night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galen Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 IB doesn't "fix" anything, just provides temporary relief. Once they wear off, you are back to where you were. Water, water water! Stay hydrated on the hill, but just as important, drink lots of it after riding. If you drink coffee or booze, you'll need that much more. Supplements aren't very effective unless you take them on a regular basis. Glucosamine wont start working on your joints for a month or 2, though the liquid form will get you there a little faster(or so the say:confused:) My PT and massage therapist recommended vitamin E and fatty acids(fish oil, etc..) for muscle health and lubrication. Frequent light stretches are better then 1 intense session. Aches in the lower back, hips, thighs and knee's can often be attributed to a single problem area. If you can find what it is, taking care of it is that much easier. A massage therapist who specializes in sports injuries can help you diagnose it. It sounds like you are active most days of the week, you may want to figure in some recovery time. did I mention water? Only 38? Just wait bro, it just gets more "interesting".:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael_A Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 At 44 I have found that strengthening my core has had DRAMATIC effects on aches & pains, overall fitness, ability to recover after big days, balance, posture, etc. I do a 20-minute routine about 5 days a week which doesn't sound like much but makes a big difference. The book I use is by Mark Verstegen. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ursle Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 get tested for lyme disease hydrate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queequeg Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I second Galen's comments about fish oil. My doctor recommended it awhile ago and although it seemed like a weird thing to be taking, I'll be damned if I don't feel better (generally) because of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C5 Golfer Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I am 61 and to keep the sore joints away I recommend 3-4 rounds of golf each week. (glucosamine helps too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfj04 Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Ditto C5's comment - stretching helps as well!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex1230 Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I reccomend Stretching, Stomach Crunches, Scotch, and Sleep the 4 S's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C5 Golfer Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 I forgot -- also buy a bike. AND ride it too! great for the legs and lungs.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enzo Posted February 12, 2008 Report Share Posted February 12, 2008 Try using Topricin cream on your joints. http://www.topricin.com/ It contains 11 ingredients (including arnica) for aches & pains. You can find it at most health/organic food stores. The stuff is fairly expensive but it works. After I broke my pelvis last year, I worked out with a highly regarded ski coach out of Waterville Valley. He swears by Topricin and insisted that I try it. Just 11 months out from my crash & surgery, almost all discomfort & soreness in my hip has been eliminated. Also, the past few years my left knee would scream for cortisone shots midway through the season. This year, after using topricin, most of the chronic achiness and soreness in the knees has been dramatically reduced. Also, as others have mentioned-- icing joints after riding, hot baths, and stretching all help me recover quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willywhit Posted February 13, 2008 Report Share Posted February 13, 2008 I reccomend Stretching, Stomach Crunches, Scotch, and Sleepthe 4 S's take the 5th....snake oil http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_oil http://hghlook.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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