Do I give up

Abakan

Hi guy's I'm having a problem with my knees which I think is arthritis, they ache at the back and swell and look a little puffy at the front below the knee cap. I don't have any pain in my knees when I'm out running but after a run the swelling is a little worse. The thought of having to give up running is making me depressed and also keeping me awake at night, it's 2.45 in the morning here and I can't sleep for wondering if I carry on running am I doing damage to my knees or is it not going to make any difference, am I going to suffer with arthritis weather I run or not? Does anyone out there suffer with this knee problem and continue to run?

Justkeepswimmin

I am not a doc so I don't know what you have I do know running on a knee with arthritis can create more pain and have it intensify sooner in life based upon what hubbys PT recently told him. However, you should see a doctor maybe it's something else entirely! That would put your mind more at ease.

Abakan

Thanks for your reply Justkeepswimm, I have booked a doctors appointment for next friday, I've put off seeing the doctor even though I know I should because I don't want to hear that I've got to give up running.

fleetzz

Give us an update after your appointment---the back of the knees - hopefully it is just a bit of bursitis which can be temporary or recurring. Hope it is temporary!

Thanks for your reply Justkeepswimm, I have booked a doctors appointment for next friday, I've put off seeing the doctor even though I know I should because I don't want to hear that I've got to give up running.

schmenge55

Glad you are seeing a doc. From what you described that is really the best course of action. In the event that the doc says no more running, consider race walking. I know many race walkers that were runners and can no longer run. If you learn to walk correctly you can go pretty fast and get your hear rate every bit as high as running. But hopefully the doc has a knee solution for you

Abakan

Thanks for your replies guy's, I will update when I've seen the doctor and I'm thinking seriously about Nordic walking if I can't continue to run.

TheBrolympus

I have arthritis in my left knee and the start of arthritis in my right but that doesn't bother me too much. You just have to take care of your knees ice and rest if they get inflamed and angry. I run between 25-30 miles a week.

However, I have been thwarted by my knees every time I try to push past 30-35 miles a week.

I hope your doctor gives you good news.

Abakan

Thanks for your reply kennethr75, you've given me hope that I'll be able to carry on running. I only run 15 or so miles a week but would like to do a half marathon latter this year so need to start increasing my mileage. I've taken a 3 day rest from all exercise and my knees feel much better, I'm going to do a spin class tonight and see how my knees react.

TheBrolympus

Thanks for your reply kennethr75, you've given me hope that I'll be able to carry on running. I only run 15 or so miles a week but would like to do a half marathon latter this year so need to start increasing my mileage. I've taken a 3 day rest from all exercise and my knees feel much better, I'm going to do a spin class tonight and see how my knees react.

Cycling helps my knees a lot. Make sure you still go to the doc to make sure there isn't anything else wrong with your knee.
My ortho x-rayed and examined my knee and said he saw nothing structurally wrong with it.

Also, I am a heal striker when I run, used to run with a pretty slow cadence, and over-strided which can be hard on the knees.
I picked up my cadence a little and which keeps me from over-striding so my feet lands more under me. This reduced the impact on my knee.

Abakan

Doc said I have arthritic knees but as long as I'm not suffering any pain when running is't OK to continue, she suggested I do most of my running off road to lessen the impact so as I live near to the coast I'll do more runs on the beach. I'v also been in touch with a PT who is putting together a program to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around my knees.
Thanks for your advice guy's.