the end of running :'(

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bitterbrownie
bitterbrownie Posts: 369
in Fitness and Exercise
i have been diagnosed with snapping hip syndrome and joint hypermobility syndrome and, after a year, it has gotten so bad that I am no longer able to run (at least not for 2013)

so there go my plans for the Marathon in May and possibly a 10-day trek in Asia in July.

I've got about 10lbs to lose, play netball and tennis, (though obviously these sports require more than one person ;p) and quite enjoy working out

I'm looking for running alternatives but not swimming (can't stand it!) or cycling as the reptitive motion can be problematic for my hips too. Will be trying (for July) to up my ability to walk long distances

any tips or support would be appreciated :) only 18 so this is a big blow health and mood wise to me.

to you all runners - love and enjoy what you do - it's really special :)

Replies

  • ejwme
    ejwme Posts: 318
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    who diagnosed you? Been to a proper sports med doc? I'm surprised either of those keep you from running - proper PT should put you back in your shoes in no time.

    edited to add - at 18, you shouldn't be told you can't run. Find a proper sports medicine doctor who treats athletes.

    At 16 I was told that a constant "popping" in my shoulder was just "me getting older". It turned out to be easily fixed with an adjustment, stretching, and strengthening exercises, but I didn't find out for 10 years of discomfort.
  • bitterbrownie
    bitterbrownie Posts: 369
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    Yep, I've been to a GP, private physio, musco-skeletal specialist and had x-rays done.

    it's definitely the problem and I've done lots of reading and research

    I'm almost hypermobile in my joints so that causes overuse of the joints and forces muscles and tendons to work harder. The repetitive motion of running (and the impact) causes further problems to the point that I can barely walk, raise my legs to put my socks on etc.
  • ejwme
    ejwme Posts: 318
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    None of those people sound like proper sports medicine doctors. The people who put professional athletes back together for more. If you live near a big city or a university, find out where their sports teams go for doctors, and get in with them.

    I've got hypermobile joints and have no issues. I also have hip issues (mine is SI joint due to tight periformis), but NOT running was the worst thing I tried to do for mine.

    I don't know, maybe you're right, but in my experience, nothing helped until I saw medical professionals who understood that my primary goal was to KEEP RUNNING, not to simply avoid pain. I was even told that my *only* option was to have my back and pelvis fused. BS. It was the only option that particular doctor could offer me, and he wasn't aware of or didn't care about my other options.
  • bitterbrownie
    bitterbrownie Posts: 369
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    Thanks for your comments but 2 of those people mentioned are trained and qualified in sports injury. We're online after all - you don't sound like a specialist either!

    Fortunately for many people, hypermobility doesn't cause any pain. If it does, it's the syndrome and I have many other symptoms which are unfortunately caused by it.

    I'd rather not go overly into the diagnosis - I've spent a year doing that and am now looking for support (as a keen a runner this is very depressing) and tips on where to progress to from here

    But thanks anyway
  • baldzach
    baldzach Posts: 1,841 Member
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    Can you do rowing? That involves some hip movement too though. Hmm. How about hand cycling? You know, like they have in marathons for paraplegics? Not cheap for the initial investment, I'm sure, but a way to stay active if you can't do much else...
  • superrjo
    superrjo Posts: 112 Member
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    Babe i'm so sorry for you! That is so so so **** :( i dont know what id do if i couldnt run anymore, its become such a big part of my life :(!! All i can say really is chin up, and hopefully you can find something else to compensate it with :( xx
  • bitterbrownie
    bitterbrownie Posts: 369
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    @baldzach - rowing is a possibility so i'll look into that - thanks :)

    @superjo - aw thank you hun! you're doing great with the running so keep it up and enjoy it! who knows, maybe in a year or two i'll be able to get back to it. hopefully I'll find something else! xx
  • tahm42
    tahm42 Posts: 4,870 Member
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    How about swimming? It is a wonderful way to lose weight, stay mobile with out pressure on the joint and you could check into adult competitive teams. Just a thought from someone who has never been able to run due to joint pain but could swim a marathon. Good luck and remember to try to keep your options open.
  • bitterbrownie
    bitterbrownie Posts: 369
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    How about swimming? It is a wonderful way to lose weight, stay mobile with out pressure on the joint and you could check into adult competitive teams. Just a thought from someone who has never been able to run due to joint pain but could swim a marathon. Good luck and remember to try to keep your options open.

    unfortunately i'm not a fan of swimming which is strange as I learned from a young age! but i never enjoy it for working out :( thanks though - and about the options, yeah, i'm trying, just a bit down about it atm i think
  • tahm42
    tahm42 Posts: 4,870 Member
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    Sorry forgot you didn't like to swim... But if it is the quietness of the sport there are waterproof head phones so you can listen to music and watch the bottom of the pool go by....

    My daughter ( she is 18 too) is a dancer and she has been having hip issues too maybe it is a stage you are going through and you could return to running in a few years???
  • tahm42
    tahm42 Posts: 4,870 Member
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    Another thought.... Aqua jogging? The Y here has a program.... or Water aerobics..
  • bitterbrownie
    bitterbrownie Posts: 369
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    Sorry forgot you didn't like to swim... But if it is the quietness of the sport there are waterproof head phones so you can listen to music and watch the bottom of the pool go by....

    My daughter ( she is 18 too) is a dancer and she has been having hip issues too maybe it is a stage you are going through and you could return to running in a few years???

    hehe s'ok :) ooh that sounds a good idea!

    yeah, hopefully it will only be a year or two but i can't rely on that. It's already been a year and I've progressively worsened but thanks for the optimism!
  • scrappy25
    scrappy25 Posts: 77 Member
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    this sounds strange, but after my knee started hurting a year ago, I started regularly doing kettlebells. When I started running again 8 months later, I was able to get right back to my prior running speed and length (4 miles , 6.5 mph) within a week. So somehow kettlebells kept up my cardiovascular conditioning and leg strength even though the KB exercises are all under 30 minutes. Something to consider.

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