Dear all,
Do you think I'd be able to run with a (now stable) meniscus tear and bad knee pain from last year (now cleared up with physio). Some people say running is not good for knees, generally. What do we think?? Also stable thyroid after RAI. All ok to start running??
Thanks!!
MtM.
I had an op for my mensicul tear about 4 years ago. I've had problems with pains in my knees over the years. (I played a lot of squash when I was younger!)
I can tell you since I started running in October I haven't felt a single twinge in either knee. I think it's partly how the programme is developed, i.e. Very slowly building your strength. I have always done a lot of walking, as I was advised post op. I try not to do all three of my 3 runs on hard surfaces, I include softer off road when I can. And finally once I knew I wanted to keep on running, I bought very good shock absorbing trainers.
Hope that helps!
I agree with Davoda although I did take the treadmill option to provide even more cushioning but now, with decent running shoes, I have no problem with the pavements. Take it slow and build up stamina and you will be OK.
"Running" covers a multitude of sins, but doing the NHS Couch to 5K programme has got to be one of the safest ways to get into it.
I avoid tarmac and always feel it afterwards on the rare occasions I do it. I even avoid running on some of the harder off road surfaces more than a couple of times consecutively. Personally, I'd steer well clear of treadmills unless you don't have access to outdoors, because it doesn't allow you to adjust your own pace as dynamically. I would also suggest considering not necessarily getting the most spongey of 'cushioned' shoes in favour of adopting a more knee friendly gait. Also well worth doing (or keeping up) exercise to support knee strength and your other muscles.
Enjoy!
I've had meniscus problems in both my knees, physio thought they were either trapped or torn. First knee stopped me running for 8 months, Second knee hardly stopped me at all cause I had all the exercises and knowledge from having gone through it before
I do squats every day and hardly get any grief from either knee now (two years+ on). I am running on a treadmill through the winter months and run outside on pavements and tarmac paths the rest of the year. I just use normal running shoes with no extra cushioning etc.
I would however build the running up gradually - maybe start C25K ) or do again if you have done it before but I don't see a graduate badge)
Although we bring experience of running, none of us (as far as I know!) have medical expertise. I think it would be sensible to gain reassurance from your doctor/physio if you have any concerns.
Good luck!
Hello! I too have had bad problems with knees which is why I never ran when I was younger. I would start off and then, within a few minutes, would feel a terrific pain in one or both knees. Once I was on crutches for several days. 
However, I have been relatively OK on this programme - which has surprised me greatly. I think, as others have said, it's because it builds you up slowly. You do the brisk walk, and then short runs that gradually get longer. I managed to get through the entire programme with no knee problems (admittedly I have had other smaller niggles).
My knee did give out badly two weeks ago though. I think I know what caused it though - I did a Parkrun and went for it too much - plus the ground was slippery and uneven. I could feel it grumbling and, by the evening when I went for a walk, I was in a lot of pain. My osteo looked at it and said it was swollen so I have to be careful now for a while. However, I've found that gentle running is generally ok.
My tips would be:
- walk when you're supposed to on the programme
- jog slowly when beginning the programme, rather than pushing yourself too much and too hard
- do exercises that strengthen the thigh and gluteal muscles to help balance the weight distribution
- if, when running, you feel a twinge, take it down. Walk if you feel better that way or jog slowly. Don't keep on and on hoping it will get better.
- I completed most of the programme running around a field, so it wasn't so hard on my knees. There was a short, paved path on it that I started running on so I got used to harder surfaces. I am fine on them now.
Please do also check with your Dr of physio/osteo etc though to ensure that you do the right thing for your problems. I see an osteo regularly and he gives me exercises and advice.
Good luck!
I have have meniscus and cartilage operations in the last 5 years. I have no problems running at all.
Thanks to everyone!!! I'm not a graduate-I've only just joined!🎽 And I guess being out running will help with Vit D deficiency. Bones and sun (hopefully!)
I'm recovering from fracture and knee issues and was told by my physio to repeat level one for a few weeks then progress if no pain. I also have GP gym referral (from physio) which gives me 10 weeks of subsidised gym membership and a specially designed programme to build up the supporting muscles. Maybe you would be eligible for that? I hate gyms normally but due to my injury being a stress fracture I have to avoid impact for a while then build up on treadmill first.
Lots of good advice here but I agree with Ully, you can always ask a sports physio's opinion. I hope your knee is ok with the programme - C25k really is the best thing ever. 
Hi MtM, I had a small meniscus tear and my Doc told me to keep running as it wears off the raggy bits. Have a look on NHS Choices, Live Well tab, Fitness and have a look at the fitness studio section. There's a Pilates for Knee Pain on there that aims to build up knee strength...xx
Achy knees
Knees, my poor knees!
Knees!!!
Knees 
Knees
