running

[Supergran62]

I would love to start running, however I have bad knees and the start of osteoarthritis. Do you think I could!!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well it's certainly a possibility!But we are not the ones who know your medical situation .

What I can say is there is a lot of research pointing to the benefits of running with such a condition.

But your medical professionals would be the ones to advise you

[backintime Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

You reminded me of an article I read on that that I emailed to my dad a while ago

bbc.com/news/health-61255733

[Supergran62 in reply to Instructor57]

thanks

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Yes. And Couch to 5K is a great way to start. Your knee issues will require some management but there's nothing to stop you really.

[Aerialgazelle Graduate]

I have grade 4 osteoarthritis of the knee(s). I run 5k 2 or 3 times a week having done the C25K programme. I had a scan and arthroscopy of the left knee in 2020 - surgeon told me to get my name down for a partial knee replacement and the physio said her aim was to get me to be able to run across the road if I needed to. I would never return to the high energy dance class I loved and I'd never run for exercise. I got depressed, put on weight and visited a private physio. In one visit he changed my mind - of course I can return to the activities I loved, but get back to my normal weight and have rest days . I did my leg strengthening exercises regularly, I lost the weight I'd put on, I walked fast, I stretched and I did C25K. What joy! Soon after graduating, I spotted a dog running alongside the road. I stopped the car and chased her (a lurcher) over a golf course before catching her and returning her safely home. That's why I needed to be able to run! I got back to my wonderful dance class but I've also added in a bit of cycle and yoga type exercise. I listen to a brilliant podcast called Joint Action (with David Hunter). It's informative and inspiring. The article backintime referred you to is spot on. I'd say YES you can run - but take it gently at the beginning and build up. I used to care desperately about "twinges" thinking I was doing more damage. The surgeon's words "bone on bone" would come to mind. Once I had learned that "motion is lotion" then my mindset was different: I don't worry about the odd slight pain as long as it goes away. Oh yes, always warm up before exercise, get good shoes and I did use a knee support bandage at the beginning which felt comforting. Best of luck.

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

Tired of waiting for my 10yr 'sore knee' to improve I started regardless. Three weeks in it went away. I'm not suggesting that everyone run their sore knees away, but seek advice and don't let it deter you.

[Hidden]

Hi Supergran62,

I had grade 4 OS in my left knee and grade 2 in my right knee thankfully all was diagnosed after I graduated C25K . In Feb I went through TKR on my left knee and a couple of weeks ago went through MUA I’m still recovering and it looks like it may be a long journey.

I have come to terms that my trainers may be hanging up on the shelf when it comes to running but they will certainly be taken down to do other exercises. I can’t get a full bend yet to do a bike but stared swimming so onwards and upwards.

By the way my C25K was done on a treadmill, I did some consolidation runs outside and that’s when my knees got worse. Good luck what ever you decide to do.