Couch to 5k

[Love2travel]

I have osteo arthiritis - Am i ok to start this programme?

[jojo57 Graduate]

Sensible perhaps to check with your GP first? It really depends on the joints affected and the degree of inflammation. I think I have it too but in hands, wrists, elbows, and I'm not on any treatment. Good luck - hope your Doc says yes!

[Love2travel in reply to jojo57]

Thank you

[Flossie62]

I have it in my neck but my physiology says I'm fine to run

[Love2travel in reply to Flossie62]

Thank you

[Pinguette Graduate]

I have a bit of arthritis in my knees and I'd say go for it, but take it very very slowly at the beginning. I did three weeks and was going great guns but then I got over confident and pushed myself to do quite a bit more than the programme suggested. Both knees protested with a vengeance and they have taken another three weeks to feel better. I'm planning to restart this week but I am going to take it at a snails pace, both in running speed and in upping the time that I run! Remember you can repeat weeks as often as you want so don't rush to graduate. Good luck and let us know how you get on!!

[Love2travel in reply to Pinguette]

Many thanks

[AncientMum Graduate]

Personally, I'd get the OK from the GP before starting, and then I'd spend a few weeks doing regular 30minute brisk walks, to get my muscles and joints used to the extra exercise first. Make sure you have really well fitting, proper running shoes and make sure you stretch properly after each run. If you check the pinned posts on the right hand side of the page, you'll find the link to the NHS How to run and stretch correctly pages. Study them well because the advice in them is invaluable. Finally, don't feel you have to complete the programme in 9 weeks. Take as long as you like, repeat runs and weeks as necessary, and take extra rest days if you feel any aches and pains in your affected joints. Very best of luck and keep posting

[Love2travel in reply to AncientMum]

Many thanks

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I have bone spurs on my ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, wrists and neck from a car accident and I got the ok from my GP. But We have a saying on here if in doubt check it out. One of the main reasons for checking it with your GP is that it helps with your confidence while you go through the program. They will give you advice for anything to look out for. When you have the OK and start remember to go at your own pace.

[Love2travel]

Many thanks

[Miwa]

Hello, I am a physiotherapist. I wouldn't recommend doing jogging for arthritis as it can jar your joints and increase pain, so it may not be the best way to keep fit if you have joint pain. Here is a link from arthritis research with appropriate exercises for arthritis.

arthritisresearchuk.org/art...