Can i run

[Juliemcshane]

I have lost 7 stones. I have also had 2 full knee replacements. I go 2 a gym everyday. I feel so much fitter. I would love 2 b able 2 run. Does anyone know if i can. If its safe. Julie

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What does your GP say?

[Juliemcshane in reply to Oldfloss]

Not alot. He said not 2 much pressure on ur joints. They have 2 last. U have 2 look after them. U have 2 feel comfortable. I dont know of anyone who has went back 2 running. Its so nice being outside. I do walk alot outside with my dogs. But id love 2 feel comfortable 2 run again. Its been 25yrs since i last ran.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Juliemcshane]

I am no expert..but I would say not running.From what I have read it is not recommended...low impact would be the thing really..your walking,swimming etc..Maybe seek further advice 😐

[Juliemcshane in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank u

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to Juliemcshane]

I would have an honest chat with your doctor about what too much impact is/feels like. If it's really important to you, maybe there are ways you can manage it or build up to it with the help of your doctor and perhaps a physiotherapist.

[Juliemcshane in reply to runswithdogs]

Thank u.

[PippiRuns]

Wish I could advise you, but I have no idea😟 Good luck with finding a way to exercise that you enjoy

[Juliemcshane in reply to PippiRuns]

Thank u

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Lot of people run with knee replacements and medics are not immune from making uninformed statements (plenty of people here have been told not to run because it will be bad for their joints... without any discussion of why the individual had had joint replacement, what is intended or any qualification... it is a risk-benefit thing... there are risks in *not* running) We don't know what you do at the gym every day but it sounds as though it isn't just drinking coffee and eating chocolate bars... hopefully it involves joint strengthening and stablising activity.

My suggestions would be: it sounds as though you want to run and it is your body. A sports physio may give a more personalised response, provided you have the background info to share. If you are going to run, definitely try the NHS C25K podcast programme on the understanding that 'run' means 'adopt a running motion' not necessarily 'move forward faster', ignore the advice to hit the ground heel first (shudder) and if at all possible do not run on hard surfaces like tarmac and pavements. Observe the non-running days scrupulously. You might also find you need to pull back a little on what you've been doing at the gym, or re-target it. Some reckon that treadmills are good, I think they are tricky to get the speed right, the machine drives too much.

If you pace yourself overall and monitor and take note of effects, you are unlikely to do yourself significant damage. The thing that worries me most in your account is that you used to run - that's the issue that might get you into trouble!

FWIW I have far more joint trouble with swimming (clunk, grind, sickening spasm) and walking than running... (but I am slow and do not run on tarmac or pavements)

Good luck with continuing your fitness endeavours, however is appropriate for you.

[Juliemcshane in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank u so much for info. I have slowly ran round our sports track. Will take my time and build it up. Thanx julie

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Juliemcshane]

Please, please do the NHS C25K programme. There are a lot of us with significant health difficulties of many kinds who can vouch for its safety.

[Juliemcshane in reply to GoogleMe]

Will do.x

[stewieUK Graduate]

My knees are pretty fragile after too many years of playing rugby but I found the cushioning of the gym treadmill (plus good shoes) helped considerably when doing the C25K programme. BUT be guided by a health professional (the surgeon who did the replacement might be better than a GP) or sports coach.

[Juliemcshane in reply to stewieUK]

Will do. Thanx

[dingdongthewitch Graduate]

My husband had his left knee replaced six years ago, he is on week 9 with me, he has had absolutely no issues.

[Juliemcshane in reply to dingdongthewitch]

Thats fab.