Running with RA

[Sandiedc]

Hi guys, I was diagnosed in April I've been told by my consultant that they are going to try my best to get me back running again, does anyone on here run? I have had lots of pain in my feet previously (which stupidly I thought was down to running) they are saying 2/3 bouts of short distance might be achievable. Any one similar?

[earthwitch]

I know a few folk on another message board for ankylosing spondylitis who still run a lot, when generally impact exercise isn't recommended. It really comes down to how fit you can remain, and how well your disease can get under control, plus the usual things of taking as much care as you can to avoid injury (eg in wearing excellent footwear, warming up properly, etc)

[woodstar1]

Hi, I was also diagnosed only weeks ago with RA in my feet. I had been running 5 days per week doing just 5k but I was told to stop due to the impact so I have now started biking instead as there is less stress on my feet. That said I've still not started my meds yet as I still need to get my head around the scary pills!! Hope things work out for you, I'm sure you will be fine.

[MarshaM in reply to woodstar1]

I did the same, putting off scary pills. It doesn't help to wait as the pills take a while to even start to work. I was playing tennis 4 times a week w 4 teams when I was diagnosed last summer. Didn't start the pills until Dec and they still had no affect until April when I found a new RA doc and she gave me a staroid shot started me on 40 days of Prednisone which took all the inflammation away. But I had no muscle tone left because of the lack of movement when all my joints were painfully inflammatory for 7 months and I could barely walk. Back to the tennis courts now and working gaining muscle again. Not having any side affects so far. Also started hot yoga and gaining joint mobility w the warm slow movements. Good luck. M

[Sandiedc]

Thanks very much guys, I got diagnosed in April and started meds straight away as my fingers started to go and I'm a singing teacher so I have to play the piano! I have thought about biking. I miss my running so much....

[magglen]

I used to be a great walker before going down with RD. I was bedridden for three months but now, thanks to the medication [Enbrel] I am back walking again. I learnt Nordic Walking with two poles which takes the weight off my joints. I can't walk as far as I used to but also I am getting old [79 yrs] so suppose I can't expect much. I think it is so important to keep moving so maybe walking is a good starter and then you can move from walking faster to running again. All the best xx

[Karen77]

I was a runner before RA (racing a couple of 10Ks and 1/2 marathons per year). When I was diagnosed, the first thing I wanted to know is if I would still be able to run. I Googled running with RA and found a lot of stories of people who still run, including one that ran his first marathon AFTER his diagnosis! Once I got things under control, I was able to get back to running. I think it's partly because I took a break from running, and strength training exercisest that I am in my current flare. I do think with a lot of this, where there is a will, there is a way. Take this disease and learn from it, rather than letting it control you! Good luck!

[Sandiedc]

I agree with that - just grown my nails first time in 10 years - having to find other things to concentrate on, am going to try some spinning and once the methotrexate has settled get out for a run and see how I get on. Thanks for all your help guys.