Running with Osteoporosis ?

[Hot_Water]

Hi all

I'm new to this group - recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my spine as a result of taking Prednisolone for PMR. I'm 56 and (thought I was...) fit and healthy. Dexa scan showed T scores of spine -3.3 and hip -1.4. I used to run 5 mornings a week for about 30mins (until the PMR, which is now under control) - loved it, and would love to go back to it if it's safe to do so.... Rheumatologist said no problem, whereas an Osteoporosis exercise therapist said I shouldn't. What are your experiences/views please ...

[Met00]

How long is it since you did any running? I don't think any of us can advise for your individual situation, but as a general rule it's really good impact exercise and for most people with osteoporosis, so long as no fractures, shouldn't cause any problems. You can start with just short and gentle jogging, and gradually build up. I have no problems with quick bursts, chasing after my grandchildren! I also do star jumps, skipping, jumping off a step, hopping and exercise with weights and resistance bands, all of which are good for improving bone density if you do enough of them. As your rheumatologist said it's OK, I'd be inclined to believe him, but be very cautious initially. There's a lot of conflicting advice around, but most recently it's been recognised that high impact exercise, when done correctly, is good for bone health.

If you want a second opinion and can afford it, I'd recommend a REMS bone scan, which should give you more reliable bone density readings. There's a huge difference between your hip and spine scores which, unless your steroid medication has affected your spine but not your hips, suggests an error in one or both measurements. If you'd like to know more, here's their website - based in the Midlands, but with clinics around the country: osteoscanuk.com/

[Hot_Water in reply to Met00]

Thanks so much - that's really helpful - and reassuring. I will check out the REMS site

[restlesspegs in reply to Hot_Water]

I second @Met00's opinion and would definitely get a REMS scan if possible. I had similar discordance but my hip was the worse of the two. Turns out that the spine score was more accurate.

[Verauk in reply to Hot_Water]

Dear Hot_Water,I agree 100% with Met00 , but in my case I have the same divergence between spine ( -3,4)and hips(-1,5). I´m 68 years old and also I used to thing how healthy I used to be ( even COVID I didnt get), I used to walk 6 days a week 1,5 hours, gardening and swimming ( 50 min 2 x week). I eat healthy and no drink nor smoke. I dont have fractures so far ( despite I have a huge fall on the streets last May). I used to make DEXA each two years since I was 45 since I had a total hysterectomy 30 years ago and wrongly I did not a hormonal reposition afraid of breast cancer....

Last June I start with Resedronate ( Actonell) and any side effect that I have noticed so far.

[ianwoowoo]

Hi,I was diagnosed with OP following a Coeliac Diseases diagnosis. My T Scores were similar to yours. My GP said that the better hip/femur scores were probably due to the fact I have always run so that has kept my lower half of my skeleton healthy. He suggested keeping up the running and also try adding some upper body impact training but I haven't really bothered with that - I just love running and being outside on the trails.

I guess you need to beware of falls - I've had a few tumbles over roots and stones but been lucky onto the break anything.

You could always start of with a skipping rope to get your general fitness up, I understand this is a very good impact exercise for improving bone density.

Good Luck. Ian

[Hot_Water in reply to ianwoowoo]

Thanks - that's really helpful - like you, being outside is so important to me.

[Mavary]

Hi! Like you I had prednisolone that set my bones off. I’ve had seven fractures to date. I was on terraparatide for two years and had no problems. I then had to go on Denosumab and five months into taking it I had another four back fractures. They are now telling me it takes between one and two years to work.

[AnnieW55]

I was advised not to run after breaking my NOF during a marathon (no fall, just a stress fracture repaired with a dynamic hip screw). I was told I could run slowly for 30mins once or twice a week but no more (and my husband was in the consult so no fudging the issue). It used to take 30mins to get fully into the zone, I loved my distances, so I don’t run now. I do walk, Nordic walk and strength train - pretty much the same exercises as Met000 just not all at once or for long periods.

[DeannaAlphi]

Hi. My Dexa scan results were more severe than yours plus I've had two spinal fractures and a wrist fracture. Like yourself, I stopped running. My rheumatologist plus the REM scan consultant encouraged me to start running again, sensibly, and on turf as opposed to concrete where possible. Sometimes I wonder how my bones have deteriorated further as a result of stopping my routine exercise due to the Dexa scan.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I am 69 and a runner recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. I asked about running and was told it was fine. In fact it was advised. You need some kind of impact exercise and it has to be something you enjoy. I was told not to go too fast 😂 and not too far. Not a problem 😂 I now run a steady 5k twice/week. I’ve added strength work with resistance bands and weights for core, lower body and upper body.

Just start gently. Go back to run a minute, walk a minute if it helps and build it up. My GP says ‘You won’t break a bone from exercising sensibly but you can from falling.’ Hence the steady run.

There’s a big difference between my spine and hip/femur scores. I was told that it’s because I’ve run for a long time, just like Ian, and the impact has been beneficial

The joy I get from running is so good for my physical and mental health. I just want to carry on for as long as I’m able. Let us know what you decide and how you get on 😀