Smokings impact on joint health and arthritis in cycling seems like a no-brainer - its bad, right? But how bad is it really? Is it a guarantee of creaky knees and a life of ibuprofen, or is the relationship between smoking and joint health more nuanced? Ive seen plenty of smokers who seem to be just fine, joint-wise, while Ive also known non-smokers who are crippled by arthritis.
Whats the actual science behind this? Is it the nicotine, the tar, or something else entirely thats causing the damage? And how does this affect cyclists specifically - are we more or less susceptible to joint damage from smoking due to our repetitive motion and high-mileage lifestyles?
Lets assume that quitting is not an option - what can smokers do to mitigate the negative effects on their joints? Are there certain types of exercise or stretches that can help counteract the damage, or is it a lost cause?
Ive heard some people claim that smoking can actually have anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially be beneficial for cyclists dealing with joint pain - is there any truth to this, or is it just a myth perpetuated by desperate smokers?