Joint supplements

[Campervan62]

Morning everyone! Just about to head out for W7R2 and now that I'm doing 25 min runs (still can't believe I'm actually doing it!) I'm noticing that my arthritic knees are staying sore for longer. They are fine while I'm running, it's afterwards that's the problem. I was wondering, does anyone take any kind of joint supplement? Do you find are they effective? I'm 53 and otherwise in good health. Thanks in advance.

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done for getting to week 8! Nearly there!I also have arthritic knees and have found that a year after starting cto5k my knees are stronger than they've been in years. I don't take supplements other than a multivitamin, but do find that very regular knee strengthening exercises help, every day! Squats, sitting leg raises etc. My knees were a bit achey after runs for a while, but that has largely gone. I get the occasional niggles, but otherwise it's all good and your leg muscles will get stronger and stronger. You might find running on soft surfaces helps

I try to avoid too much pavement running where possible.

I found that when I did cto5k I built in extra rest days now and then to protect my knees.

I don't know about supplements, but know some people swear by them.

Good luck.

[Campervan62 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you so much Roxdog. That's really reassuring! I find squatting very difficult as I have very little flexibility in my knees now and any kind of weight bearing exercise is out of the question! Swimming regularly definitely helps but I thought maybe supporting them from the inside as well might be the way to go.

[Leithpi Graduate]

I'd recommend speaking to your GP (if you're taking meds for your arthritis there may be supplements that should be avoided). You should be able to get a telephone or video consultation with them at the moment.

[Campervan62 Graduate in reply to Leithpi]

Thanks for your reply Leithpi. I'm not on any medication. It's not severe enough yet. Probably more wear and tear at this stage.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I don’t have arthritis in my knees, but my GP( who is also a runner) told me to keep up my cycling to support knee strength - so I cycle most rest days. I, too, am another fan of running on softer surfaces wherever possible , e.g. cinder tracks, grass/ mud paths (as long as the mud isn’t gloopy & slippery).😄

[Campervan62 Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you Elfe5. I tried cycling on my rest days as I'd been told that would help strengthen my muscles but it just made it worse! Couldn't do anything for 3 days after the last bike ride 😟 Now that swimming pools are open again, I've gone back to that. It definitely helps ease the sore knees in between runs. If I don't do it, they just seize up completely! I've always run in the country lanes around my house. They are all tarmac and often uphill in places. I might try running on a treadmill to see if that works better for me. I will miss the fresh air and the views though 😢