Running with Arthritis
Running with Arthritis
Is it safe to run if you have mild arthritis in your knees?
I've just returned to Couch to 5k again and noticed this time that my knees ache which has never happened before but then again I am now a year older! Incidentally, in case asked, I've had gait analysis and wear the correct trainers for my gait.
Even though I love running I don't want to make my arthritis worse.
I've just returned to Couch to 5k again and noticed this time that my knees ache which has never happened before but then again I am now a year older! Incidentally, in case asked, I've had gait analysis and wear the correct trainers for my gait.
Even though I love running I don't want to make my arthritis worse.
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:01 pm
Re: Running with Arthritis
Hello,
Generally speaking if I had mild OA of the knees I would not focus slowly on running as a way to keep fit/healthy.
I would suggest running forms an occasional part of your exercise routine, which should also benefit from focus on other activities such as regular strength sessions, swimming and cycling. In this way you can decease the volume of jarring or impact on ones joints whilst keeping your exercise plan regular and varied.
Be mindful of running and if your pain levels are creeping up then listen to your body and take stock. Perhaps have a session with a health or exercise professional who can help you with programming of your exercise to achieve the kind of routines I mentioned above.
Best of Luck!
David
Generally speaking if I had mild OA of the knees I would not focus slowly on running as a way to keep fit/healthy.
I would suggest running forms an occasional part of your exercise routine, which should also benefit from focus on other activities such as regular strength sessions, swimming and cycling. In this way you can decease the volume of jarring or impact on ones joints whilst keeping your exercise plan regular and varied.
Be mindful of running and if your pain levels are creeping up then listen to your body and take stock. Perhaps have a session with a health or exercise professional who can help you with programming of your exercise to achieve the kind of routines I mentioned above.
Best of Luck!
David
- Tracy Corbett
- Posts: 65
- Joined: Wed Sep 27, 2017 12:19 pm
Re: Running with Arthritis
Hello
I agree with David's comment. You can still enjoy running, as part of a wider exercise plan.
There are some really good exercise plans for managing knee pain:
https://escape-pain.org/ESCAPE-pain-Online
https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/knee-pain/video-exercises-knee-pain
https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/21787/kneepain-exercise-sheet.pdf
Strengthening the muscles around your knees will help protect your knees and should also help with managing knee pain.
Running/walking in water can be very useful, it helps to increase strength as it's against the resistance of the water, as well as building cardiovascular fitness.
Your GP could refer you to your local physiotherapist who would be able to design an individualised, targeted exercise programme for you to help strengthen and protect your knees. Arthritis Action may also be able to refer you to a good physiotherapist or osteopath to help in this regard.
I agree with David's comment. You can still enjoy running, as part of a wider exercise plan.
There are some really good exercise plans for managing knee pain:
https://escape-pain.org/ESCAPE-pain-Online
https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/knee-pain/video-exercises-knee-pain
https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/21787/kneepain-exercise-sheet.pdf
Strengthening the muscles around your knees will help protect your knees and should also help with managing knee pain.
Running/walking in water can be very useful, it helps to increase strength as it's against the resistance of the water, as well as building cardiovascular fitness.
Your GP could refer you to your local physiotherapist who would be able to design an individualised, targeted exercise programme for you to help strengthen and protect your knees. Arthritis Action may also be able to refer you to a good physiotherapist or osteopath to help in this regard.