Arthritis in runners?

RobinAlexader
RobinAlexader Posts: 196 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have arthritis in my hips and knees and have recently taken up running..i'm starting at a slow and moderate pace but it still seems I have hip pain..my knees don't really bother me. Anyone else run with arthritis? Any tips for a newbie? Or any tips for a new runner period would be very much appreciated. :)

Replies

  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    I have arthritis in my hips and knees and have recently taken up running..i'm starting at a slow and moderate pace but it still seems I have hip pain..my knees don't really bother me. Anyone else run with arthritis? Any tips for a newbie? Or any tips for a new runner period would be very much appreciated. :)

    In a group I used to run with, one of the women had arthritis. She always ran 2 or so miles while the rest of us ran more. She sometimes had to run slower.

    Listen to your body and take it slow. You might also want to talk with your doctor who treats you for arthritis and let him/her know your plan of action. You might even be able to find runners with arthritis in your area.

    Good luck.
  • MeganAnne89
    MeganAnne89 Posts: 271 Member
    This is a little counter to your question, but have you considered not going outside to run? No matter who you are, at some point, running eventually ends up hurting your body, so most of the time I just don't understand why people choose that over running on a treadmill or going on an elliptical.

    I can't imagine running and hitting the ground hard is good on your arthritis.
  • mom2my4boys
    mom2my4boys Posts: 148 Member
    I have a rare form of arthritis and im a begining runner too. I do most of my "running" on an elliptical. I cant wait until the ground dries up so i can try trail running, ive heard its much softer.I had hip pain when I began too, after being fitted for proper shoes the pain mostly went away. I can't run anymore than about 5k or I pay for it for weeks. I dunno, maybe im an imposter since I can't run forever, like some people. My most recent accomplishment is 7minutes on a treadmill before the pain was too much. But minute by minute, im improving and I enjoy trying :) Hoping someone more experienced will answer you.
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    I have mild hip arthritis and pretty severe spinal arthritis. Moving makes it feel better (especially my back), and once I am warmed up, I am able to run. And I run a lot. 90% of my running is on trails. Roads do hurt more, truth be told. I do take a prescription pain reliever and will for the rest of my life (regardless of whether I run or not).

    Dial back your expectations, listen to your body, and give your joints lots of love. When you do hit the trails, warm up by walking and do a walk-run sort of routine. It's good for your body and your brain.

    My doc always tells me: KEEP MOVING!
  • Helenca76
    Helenca76 Posts: 125 Member
    Yep, I have arthritis in both knees. Went to a running shop and had my gait analysed and got the required trainers then I saw a podiatrist and got fitted with made for me insoles. huge difference to my running, far more comfortable and no shin splints either. Was able to run with no knee or hip pain......until I injured my foot but that's another story.

    I have to run slower than folk without arthritis, started out walk for 2mins, run for 5mins routine then managed to do a 12min mile, was down to 10 minute mile. I was running outside because it burnt more calories than treadmill running but the treadmill has shock absorbers to lessen the impact on your joints. Just take it slow and build it up and the old saying is true, if it hurts, stop!

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