This morning I had an Osteoporosis consultation. I haven't been able to tolerate AA, Risedronate or Zoladronic Acid but luckily my fracture scores are low 1.8% - 7%. I was diagnosed just under 2 years ago and only have Osteoporosis in hip neck -2.5, lower spine and hip are in Osteopenia range. I've had no fractures. My diet is good and I exercise.
The consultant I had today said as I'm not tolerating the medication and ranges are low recommends I only take the Vit D/calcium tablets for 3 years. Ince I reach this point have another scan and go from here. Sounds good to me. Next she said I should continue with my exercise but advises me to stop running, I participate in Park Run 5k. The previous two consultants said running was ok for now. I live running so pretty devastated to hear this.
Has anyone else received running advice like myself ?
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NewBloom
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I've come across people with osteoporosis who run quite happily without any issues. If you're used to running, haven't fractured and aren't at high risk of fracture (with your low fracture risk (FRAX) score, I don't know why you were even prescribed medication!) then running is highly unlikely to be a problem for you, and indeed high impact exercise is now recognised as important for healthy bones! Were you given a reason for medication 2 years ago? With only one score on the cusp of osteoporosis, on balance you really only have osteopenia, which is reflected in your FRAX score.
I would say keep on running but do monitor your body. I don’t want to scare you but would like to offer advice based upon my experience, it would have been helpful for me to know this: If you experience a dull ache in your groin that radiates to your outer hip and if, after that you get a quick sharp pain in that area sometimes when you turn/rotate the hip get yourself checked and stop running. These are the classic signs of a slow fracture. I was a runner and didn’t know about these symptoms - once you know about them you can google them. They actually didn’t affect my walking or running but a few weeks after getting that first ache (it only happened once) my neck of femur broke 24.5 miles into a marathon. As I say, I don’t want to put you off running, it’s too good to give up if you don’t have to, just monitor yourself. I hope you have many good runs for a long time to come.
I’m shocked that you were even offered the drugs with those scores. There’s a difference in the two of more than 1 as well. You can check with REMS to check those scores because there should not be a difference like that. They are your bones not from two different people.
Your age is relevant too. At 78 I’m not taking the drugs but someone who is 40 or 50 I’d keep an eye on them in future but not now with those scores.
I have a friend with osteoporosis who did line dancing and the stomping has affected her feet. So maybe something to do with pounding your feet on the ground may cause a problem. Just be aware and stop if your feet feel sore at all. Otherwise, if you love it then don’t give it up on something that is a possibility for only some people.
Keep running if you love it and monitor your body. Your numbers are low. I highly suggest adding weight training and balance exercises to your weekly routine. It’s all about preventing falls and improving your bone density which can be done!
Thanks all some great advice given. Yesterday's consultant did mention I could call ROS to check on running/exercise. Which I now have.I'm ok to run but stop if I have any pains, and get them checked. They also mentioned about the medication with my low scores. Also running/jogging at my stage can benefit the bones. I've decided to keep running but take note of any pains.
Fingers crossed in 3 years my scores have improved or at least the same. I really appreciate your guidance and wish you all the best.
Hi NewBloom we have a fact sheet that was designed with the specialist in the field wherby they reviewed 100 pieces of research regarding bones and exercise. Here is the link to this, you could of course ring and speak to a Specialist nurse on the free helpline number 0808 800 0035.
Thank you for the link above. As a recreational runner of 46 years, this substantiates that running is good, but not the best for bones. I’ve curtailed how much I do of this every few years and now it’s jogging interspersed with walking and only every 5-6 days and more for heart health than bones. Now it’s more hopping, squat jumps, marches with ankle weights and jumps from a platform. Try to mix these activities up so the body doesn’t get too used to them. Time will tell how much more effective this may be.
Thank you Weightrun. I don't run as much as you only 5k most weeks and sometimes a shorter one during the week. It isn't often I'll attempt a longer distance. Also do as much walking, weights, resistance bands and Palates as I can.Well done on 46 year of running a great achievement!
You’re welcome, NewBloom. Think I need to clear up what I stated above. I only run little more than once per week or once every 5-7 days. At 67 years of age and still having decent knees, I dare not even run twice a week anymore. I do get arthritis buildup in the right big toe joint (required surgery 2 years ago) which is likely not helped by running. So, to elaborate it’s about 2 miles or 1.2k that I run/walk, starting with 5 mins. of walking, then run for ~ 1 minute, walk until heart rate decreases to about 115, then run for ~ 1 minute, then walk and so on doing about 7 intervals of run and 7 of walk for a total of 27-29 minutes on a treadmill with a big container of ice water. Over the years I’ve transitioned to more outdoor walking, but with either a weighted belt or vest. Currently, each of these has 8 pounds(3.6kg) but will work up to 12 pounds, or 10% of my weight. Otherwise, it’s some yoga with lots of one legged poses for maintaining balance and free weights or kettle bells. It’s like a part time job trying to keep the bones from dropping into the osteoporosis range.🥵
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