The words from the headline were said to me today by a sports physician that I consulted as my right knee and thigh have been hurting since November.
“One shouldn‘t start running at your age. You should not be running at your age.” Those were the words. Like a punch in the gut. With both fists and plus run-up (no pun intended….).
I am 55. Started C25K aged 52 as a 200% non-runner whose dislike of running used to reach as far back as to school (most of us probably can relate to this rather well ). C25K made me love to run! With the wonderful Magic Plan I even ran several 10ks without problems or injuries.
Back to summer 2021:I had a 5k on my plan, but foolishly got carried away and made it a 6k. The forum is right: Overdo it, face the consequences. In my case a Baker cyst in my left knee. Mild arthritis was also diagnosed in the left knee. The orthopaedist I consulted back then insisted that running is bad and that I should never run again. Wrong. I waited for the cyst to recede and took up running with a new and better cushioned pair of Brooks from the specialist shop. Slow increases in time, then distance. No problems! JuJu’s Magic Plan – first the time variant, then the distance one. No problems.
Fewer runs were done over the summer of ‘22 due to the heat. Took to running more in autumn. However, I got stressed out by friends and family getting ill and needing attention. Back problems crept up due to stress and me lifting some too heavy boxes. Resorted to relieving posture with didn’t really help either….
So, this time I was explicitly looking for a sports physician and even found a specialist who marathon runner and triathlete. A person who would for sure understand what joy running brings and would find ways and means to get me back on the track.
And then this: “You should not be running at your age.” Say what?!?
So he says it is arthritis in the right knee causing my problems. The successful undertakings to mobilize my leg by physiotherapist, osteopath and chiropractor were belittled. Here, get this salve, get more physiotherapy, don’t run and come back if you feel the need.
Nah.
I will get my gait checked again. New shoes if necessary. Insoles, if the orthpaedic shoemaker sees the need.
Anyone else been in a similar situation or is still running despite “old age” and arthritis? Any support or tips as how to keep on running and smiling 😀 are very welcome.
***
WOW! I am overwhelmed. This forum is so supportive. 🥰
Your personal stories really gave me confidence that I will be up and running again. I went to the local running shop today. The owner himself was there today. He is a local legend: marathon runner, Iron Man participant etc. He has got arthritis as well and is still running at 64. He gave me some more tips and had a look at my shoes which needed replacement. So, I got new shoes and will start running again tomorrow with a short 10 minute run. Like back to C25K somewhere in the middle.
Thank your for your kind and supportive replies.
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Wawacito
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Nobody has said this to me yet and I'm older than you lol. There are a lot of us 'mature' runners here, old enough to know what risks we are prepared to take. You are actually a spring chicken.
I have an arthritic knee (mostly due to a motorbike accident in my 20s) and had tons of physio before I started running. Since starting to run it has hardly bothered me at all. I've had a few unrelated problems but that was down to overdoing it and I've (hopefully) learnt.
Before starting C25K I did a bit of (internet) research which suggested that running can actually help arthritis (and I deliberately didn't go to see the doctor before I started in case they told me not to ). Nearly 2 years on I am running further than I would ever have imagined possible.
In the words of the old song, which being 9 years younger than me you probably won't remember, 'Gotta use it up, wear it out!!!!' Maybe go back to the helpful professionals you saw before?
Good luck and I hope your pain subsides. You know the drill, you don't need me to tell you what to do
Well that was an extremely unprofessional and unkind thing to say to you! I have arthritis in both knees. It's mild, but in the past, before I started running, I had a couple of nasty flare ups. Since I started running I have had fewer problems than before. I'm now 63 and whilst I sometimes get the odd twinge, it settles down. I have a set of exercises I do too.
I agree with his comment being very unprofessional. He actually came into the room, propped himself up at the desk and said: "So, what do you want to hear from me?" Ahm.
It made me mad that I carefully researched to find sports physician only to be treated like an useless old sick person, which I am not.
Getting so many replies by fellow runners that are older than me is really comforting. 🏃♀️
So sorry to hear this , Whether it's the correct advice or not , it's not the best way to deliver it 😐
I actually started at age 63 as a life long non runner .
Also have slight arthritis in my knees and also in my neck .
My knees actually used to bother me when I walked for maybe an hour or more , and particularly if going down hill.
When I started running I actually expected to find similar issues but fortunately the opposite was true .
I was fine on the runs and it in turn also improved the walking .
I seemed to get a slight ache in one knee when I started running towards 10k , it always started at around 7k but I slowed it right down and then it usually went by about 8k or so
Then after running regular 10k's for a while it seemed to disappear .
So for me I actually feel running , along with knee strengthening exercises has helped my knees improve .
I realise this is my own individual experience so by no means a recommendation.
But my sports physio is an extreme marathon runner and has been so supportive of my running and never once suggested I stop or was too old.
Sometimes it seems like it's the luck of the draw as to who you see .
Yes, the strengthening exercises are really necessary in my case and good. I am working with the NHS material and will have a lookt at the James Dunn exercises, too.
As for the advice given by the doctor: I can cope with bad new, if they are delivered in a sensible way. The disappointment was especially deep as I had expected somethinge else from someone who is a runner as well and who had been recommended to me by several people as someone who comes up with solid solutions.
I started running at 61 (having never been sporty or done exercise) and am still going at 66. I also do yoga which I think helps by strengthening the muscles that support your knees. I have had Bakers cysts. Took a break from running for a while then built up gradually again. I’ve been reading about ‘jeffing’ which is meant to help reduce risk of injuries. I’m planning to give it a go.
Sound really good. 😀 I did Pilates some years ago which really did me good. I am back at the local gym now for strength exercises plus two rounds of Pilates per week.
I feel for you. I had knee pain in 2021. Swa a physio, who gave me a walking stick, said it was arthritis, do this mild exercises. I put the walking stick in the cupboard and found the knee exercises on this forum. I found a chiropractor who, long story short, has fixed my knee. I started C25K from the very start again. All good and I'm loving being back running again. I'm about to turn 68🤭
I cannot comment on arthritis as I do not suffer from it, but keep it under observation and do whatever you think is necessary. As for the sports physician saying you should not be running at your age, this is just nonsense.
I personally avoid the medical profession like the plague, although I do consult regularly a very good physiotherapist. One of my friends who is medically qualified but does not practice medicine in the usual sense (he is a specialist), also told me that he avoids the medical profession as they are really unhelpful.
Jep, I am also quite critical of the medical profession. A stance which was once more proven right. I will keep an eye on the knee and resort to my physiotherapist and the local chiropractor, the latter having really worked wonders.
Yes had similar from a physio so went to another. I found the arthritis surges kept coming in my knees. Went and had MRI which confirmed the arthritis. Orthopaedic surgeon said I would need knee replacement in next few years and running too much for them.
Then I read about HRT and oestrogens effect on cartlege. Since taking HRT no knee pain for almost 3 years. Running a bit up and down because of life getting in the way but knees so much better!
Neither male orthopaedic surgeon nor physio seem to think about it in middle aged women.
Absolutely. From what I've read over the past years medicine is not oriented along women's symptoms or needs. I don't even want to bring menopausal women into the picture... Found a thorough article on HRT and will read that later on to day. Interesting topic.
From an arthritic 66 year old with knees that won't straighten - running, (and exercises), took my knee pain away. I'm a licenced running coach now. And I'm about to run three half marathon races in the next 4 weeks. Yes, I need extra care with a good sports massage to manage tight calves, and plenty of stretching before & after a run.
That therapist is an ar*e!
Next week, run past that eejits clinic muttering under your breath "Huh!!" (or mutter something sweary if that works 😉)
I didn’t start running until I was 60, and I’ve never been fitter.
I had terrible problems with my knees before then and was in a lot of pain walking in the Lake District, especially downhill . Consultant, X-rays , MRI scan and I was told early arthritis, baker’s cyst and a spur on cartilage. Thankfully I was referred to a brilliant physio and the exercises did get everything moving again, and take away the pain. Started running in 2018 and no problems since, in fact my knees are much stronger. I am sorry you haven’t had a good experience from your consultant (who no doubt is not a runner)
Acutally the consultant is a runner. He runs marathons and does triathlons, too. One reason why I chose his practice. At least he came up with a prescription for more physiotherapy, yay, so I do that plus the forum's knee exercises plus strength training.
Wawacito, I am nearly 76 and I’m sure 99% of the people on this forum could run circles around me, but I didn’t start this gig till around 70(?) years old. My son INSISTED that I do this program and I’m glad he bugged me to death about it because the pains I had in my knees, under my ribs and in my hip largely disappeared. Maybe your doctor had had a bad day (I’m just trying to give him the benefit of some doubt) but I hope you find a better doctor and I also hope you are able to resolve your difficulties and keep running.
That doctor's attitude is outrageous Wawacito ! I'm wondering how old he is? Is his attitude down to ageism, quite possibly with a sprinkling of sexism too? Is he out of touch with current thinking re running and arthritis? Is he suffering from "Me Clever Doctor, You Stupid Patient" syndrome? Whatever, it's unacceptable.
Even assuming that he's right about the arthritis, he needs to look at ways of helping you to manage it effectively and keep moving, rather than being so antagonistic.
I'm a bit older than you and didn't start running until I was 59. Your doctor would presumably be horrified by that, let alone the running that I've done since! Fwiw, I've been diagnosed with arthritis in my hands, and find that harpagophytum (devil's claw) helps relieve the stiffness, swelling and pain.
Good luck - I really hope you find an effective way forward, both literally and metaphorically!
What you are writing in your first paragraph is what crossed my mind as well! I was really not prepared for this degree of unprofessionalism.
He seems to be in his mid to late fourties, so not really that much older than me. Another reason to choose him.
The arthritis is there. The doctor who did the MRI scan showed me the scan and explained it. Still, coming up with such a reply is unacceptable.
Devil's Claw is a common preparation over here in Germany as well when it comes to arthritis. It had actually slipped my mind until you mentioned it. Will get me some.
Well I think it’s just plain rude. A physical condition is one thing but as the replies so far prove in running age is just a number and definitely not a limiter. Hope you get yourself sorted 👍🏻
Went to the local running specialist shop this afternoon. The owner himself was there today. He is a 64 year of legend: marathon, Iron Man, running again despite severe injury he got during a bike race. We talked for a good while, I explained the current problems with my knee and got new shoes. Will start running again tomorrow beginning with a 10 minute run.
I am 62 and have osteoarthritis in my right hip and left foot. I didn’t think I would ever run again as about 15 months ago I was worrying about walking down stairs. I found an app called Joint Academy where you have virtual physio support and guided exercises. I started C25K in January last year and graduated in May. Have built up my distance slowly and am now doing JuJu’s Magic Plan. Does it hurt - sometimes. I also do Pilates once a week and always stretch after running. Compared to where I was just over a year ago, I am much better off. I think it’s about taking it slow and resisting the temptation to run when you are sore.
I will have a look at the app. So much great tips coming in on this thread. Pilates works wonders for me as well. I am doing it twice a week. Oh, and the Magic Plan is just perfect!
when I used the app you could have 6 weeks free and then you had to pay £40 a month. Given the cost of a physio appointment I didn’t think that was too bad. I did it for 4 months and wrote down all the exercises so I could keep doing them. I think it started in Sweden and is prescribed on the NHS there. They were trialling it on prescription in one area in Britain but at the moment you have to pay for it.
Golly, I think it's appalling that a health professional could deliver a prognosis in that way. He'd get a zero from me on trip advisor!I didn't start running till I was 69.. now 71 and managed a hm last summer... albeit slowly. I love the fact I can run. It brings joy to my heat and fitness ti my body.... I'm a healthier person for it.
Running is of course contraindicated for some people but to say that simply on the basis that you’re 55 is outrageous. I started c25k at age 58. I’m now 63 and after completing my first half marathon in November I’m doing my second one next month in Paris. The reason the location is relevant is that they still have the daft rule in France that you need a medical certificate to take part in organised sport. My GP signed it no problem. ‘No contraindication for competitive running’. And I’m eight years older than you.
Excellent! The Paris marathon will be a great adventure. Happy for you that you got a place in that event.
Other than the current knee problems I do not have any other condition that might prevent me from running. On the contrary: running has helped me to get fitter, get more stamina, build up muscles and strength. I will start with short runs tomorrow and hopefully work my way up to a half marathon by the end of this year or spring next year.
I started at 52, nearly seven years ago, as an addictive smoker with a killer high blood pressure. Had some early injuries and went to see a GP who waffled on about possible danger to my knees and hips as a result of my running. I’ve always been slim, perfect weight, and that geezer was dangerously on the overweight side, his white coat fully stretched. On his desk, you cannot make this up, was a can of Coke. I just stood up and walked away. I’ve run marathons since, no idea what happened to him. Listen to yourself and your body, first and foremost. If you get stuck ask those who have been trough the same thing. You’ll be alright, just carry on.
I did two packs a day for over 30 years. Idiotic to the core. I guess at some stage I’ll discover the damage. Anyways, I quit there and then, on the spot, almost 8 years ago. No cutting down, no patches, therapy or vaping (still really bad, let’s not pretend). And l took up running shortly after. A complete game changer & life extender. Why didn’t I do all that sooner?!
2 packs a day are a bloody lot! well done on giving those up, it just shows you with determination you can achieve great things, i do aim to give up the Vape, still not good for me but much better than the toxins in a cigarette, maybe once i am running longer distances and want to increase speed i will do it at that point.....or just before 😄
bloody cheek, we are not old and decrepid and unable to do anything for ouselves 🤬 I am 60 this year and no way i will stop trying to get fit, it makes me feel better physically and mentally.
I had 2 young kids in the park say to me this morning as i ran past, "enjoy your running lady" and gave me the thumbs up, i smiled from ear to ear as i ran past them 😀
Yes i thought how sweet of them, if i walked past them they wouldn't have even looked at me, its funny (and great) that i have more good mornings said to me and head nods while running than i do just walking!
Hi Wawacito, I was 69 last November and decided to give C25K another go, having completed it back in 2020 and not done any since. I've had 3 hip replacements since I was 40, having worn one out 8 years ago (dancing, not running!). I'm now aiming for 10k before my 70th birthday. Sometimes my knees ache but my motto is use it or lose it so I'm going to keep going as long as possible. I get overtaken by youngsters when I'm running outdoors but i don't care. Just do what feels good for you. Physios don't know everything and everyone is different. You are never too old to get fit.
I am not surprised you are livid - I would be too! How unkind! I am sure that most people over the age of 40 have some degree of arthritis, especially in areas of previous injury. And that includes your consultant. One day he may well regret those words.
If I were you, I would use them as motivation to prove him wrong, but then I'm as stubborn as they come. I'd be tempted to print off the latest research and send it to him!
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). C25K made me love to run! With the wonderful Magic Plan I even ran several 10ks without problems or injuries. 
Combined age of 304 but still running :) 
Advice on shoes?
Running at dawn...
Stick with it! . . . You'll be glad you did!
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