Severe arthritis - stop running

[runningyogini]

That's what the doctor has just said. Any advice or suggestions?

He also suggested I take painkillers. I have a good pain threshhold why should I take painkillers?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I would take advice from your doctor regarding your arthritis, better not to run for the moment until the arthritis goes,

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Goes where?

You can't cure arthritis.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

I mean until you are completely better.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Yikes poor you. Taking painkillers will help you keep joints mobilised. Is it worth also seeing a sports physio about how you can maintain fitness without causing further damage to affectedjoints. A gp is after all a general practitioner. My gp told me a couple of years ago I shouldn't be doing so much at my age. Changed gp, took up running, feeling fitter and healthier than ever before. Good luck 🤗

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

well said.... GP's are generalists and often very in the dark about all things running related.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I suggest seeing a very good sports osteopath or physio who specialises in running. My osteopath has said that he thinks that there are very very few people that shouldn't actually run. There is a lot to be gained from their assessment of your situation, and if anything can be done to help get you back to running.

[runningyogini Graduate10]

Thank you for all your comments. They're very supportive and I agree with you all. I'm far too stubborn to give up. I haven't run for about 6 weeks and will wait until the swelling goes down but investigate a sports physio who can give proper advice. I find that GPs just want to shovel drugs down my throat. I've googled the meds and they should help with the swelling - I'll continue with my yoga as that helps to keep me mobile. I've also qualified as an Inferno Pilates Instructor and I don't plan to give that up - either practise or teaching - any time soon!

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

Best of luck, I think you've been given great advice already - this community is so supportive in adversity. I'm lucky not to have issues like yours, but when I was on the IC in November I saw a nurse practitioner at my local GP practice, who proclaimed himself a keen runner, and also said that my plan to run 10K 3 times a week was too much at my age. (I'm 62). I'm currently proving him wrong.

[Star-shine]

Have you seen a rheumatologist? They are the experts it’s not just about painkillers ask the experts. Wishing you well

[runningyogini Graduate10 in reply to Star-shine]

That's a good point. I've spoken to two experts: a pharmacist and a physio both said that if I don't normally take pain killers then I should actually start with ibuprofen and topical options. Our Health Services doctors like to hand out medication without really asking about a person's history. They also both said that stopping what I'm doing ie running is counter productive because with osteoarthritis the joints will seize up.

[Star-shine in reply to runningyogini]

Totally agree, be careful with ibuprofen if you have asthma or other respiratory problems it can affect breathing. Long term use also raises BP. Best get that appointment with rheumatologist to get right medication for you

[Wenderwoo]

Was the doctor a GP or a Specialist? If it was a GP I think I’d ask to be referred to an Arthritis Specialist.

[ktsok]

Sorry to hear this. There is a lot of stuff online about how running can help symptoms of arthritis. Best to see a specialist?

[SlowLoris]

Osteo or Rheumatoid?

[runningyogini Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

Osteo

[SlowLoris in reply to runningyogini]

I was in the same position. GP said don't run but did give me x-rays and a physio referral. A lot of GPs are still in the 'Running is bad for your knees' camp but they are getting better informed over the last couple of years.

Physio was much more informative. Knee strengthening exercises are the best therapy and start running again slowly and carefully. That's why I originally started C25K.

As others have said, painkillers can help to maintain mobility but, if you don't need them, don't take them.

[Hidden]

I have OA and I run, but it might be different for you.

I would listen to the doctor.

Could you try another exercise such as swimming or cycling?

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

So much depends on the type of arthritis, there’s some good advice here about physio and as to the pain pills, they will reduce the inflammation some which may make running more of a possibility

I’m not medical but have always worked with people so come across lots of different conditions

Wishing you well and good luck

[Annieapple Administrator]

So sorry to hear this but I would seek a second opinion from a sports physio. Slow running (Japanese slow running) can keep joints mobilised & help rather than make it worse, in some cases. It certainly helps me, but no two people are the same or have the same medical history. There are also different types of arthritis. Sad that you are in pain & hope you get some relief.

[Run46 Graduate10]

Great advice above.

With regards to general pain killers if you don't need them I agree, why take them! But if we're talking anti-inflammatory ones then though you may be able to manage without the pain relief they give, bringing down any swelling sounds positive.

Hope a specialist can give you some hope, rather than a resounding no!

Good luck 🤞🙏💕

[Fleetnot Graduate10]

If you look at Versusarthritis the UK support group and charity they have advice on running and walking. They also have a helpline. Hope this helps.

[runningyogini Graduate10]

Thss was no you. It’s the area around my big toe metatarsal. I’m definitely going to seek out a sports physio but also get my running/walking analysed. 🙏🏿 If anyone can recommend any good people in London, let me know 🙏🏿

[Jell6 Graduate10 in reply to runningyogini]

A good sports physio should be able to do your gait analysis (mine did)

Hope all works out for you 😊

[Irish-John Graduate10]

I would respectfully seek a second opinion from a Doc who might be more "in tune and knowledgeable" when it comes to running.

Doctors are usually great - but they cannot know or always keep up with all the knowledge, research and developments in the medical world. Also, like ourselves, they are not 100% infallible.

The "Veterans" here know my own experience, I have severely compromised bones in my feet and in '92 one of the top-rated foot and ankle Docs in the USA told me to prepare for life in a wheelchair "about your mid-forties, if not before".

Well, I'm looking at 60 this May and - definitely not as certainly lol - a FM in December.

A $250 set of steel shoe inserts is what got me literally on my feet again. Took me two years to go through a lot of research, trial and error and so forth, but in the end it was so worth it.

I am so grateful I did not take one person's word for it that I was screwed. I guess I was the mistake the Doc made, nothing "bad" about him...like I said, they are humans also and therefore not immune to screwing up. (Though probably on a far less daily basis than me lol)

I sincerely hope all this turns out to be helpful to you, very best wishes.

[runningyogini Graduate10]

Thank you everyone. More great replies. I’ll follow it up. I agree my doctor is there to fish out drugs and treat the problem not the cause. I’m off to get the painkillers - as you say they should hopefully reduce the swelling.

[Meepmum Graduate10]

I have osteoarthritis and started C25K in April with two replacement knees, just managed 8k albeit very slowly in 1hr 25mins. My Dr thinks running is really good for me.

I leave 2 days between runs min. but the way my legs and core have got stronger gives my hips and other joints more support. I take Tumeric daily but find after the initial pain my joints loosen and I intend to keep it that way. Proper support running shoes after having a gait assessment is important, I explained where my arthritis is to them. Go with your feeling, for me it's about managing the situation. Good luck 🍀🙂

[runningyogini Graduate10 in reply to Meepmum]

Yes, I've been drinking turmeric milk daily for about the last 5 years - I swear by it. That's probably why my pain threshold is so high. I use fresh turmeric root, fresh ginger and home made almond butter (keeps better than almond milk) and a dash of black pepper. I add a little bit of honey to give it flavour.

[Stobban]

Yea, If you suffer no pain no need for painkillers. Physical exercise can worsen any arthritic joint overly used but if physical exercise is necessary and only if the pain becomes a nuisance. Then, do as the doctor says...

[runningyogini Graduate10]

I’m back running. I started again in May. My foot pain went as soon as we hit lockdown. I run a maximum of 5k and no more and run 3-4 times a week. I keep an eye on the feet, too. Today I ran 28’08 which is a PB.