Running with arthritis

Angela4Health
Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all, just wanting to find out how many runners out there run even though they have arthritis. I'd like to know a little more about how much you run, how fast, how long, how far.... and how you manage the pain.... thanks!

Replies

  • ibbray04
    ibbray04 Posts: 227 Member
    Are you talking RA? I have RA, but thankfully have been in remission since I got pregnant with my daughter 2 years ago (she's 15 months old now). I am only on Plaquenil, haven't been on methothrexate since well before I got pregnant.

    I just started running a bit within the last month. I have been walking, as in very fast walking, for a while now. I would strongly suggest that's how you start. After a few weeks, incorporate a few minutes of running into your walks, eventually increasing the running time.

    Good luck!
  • nwkarin
    nwkarin Posts: 16
    I have mild arthritis in my hips. I am a distance runner so this is hard for me. I try to run on soft surfaces, grass, or trail as much as possible. My runs during the week are short, 3-5 miles, and I run long (over 10 miles) every OTHER saturday. I run 5 days a week, one rest day, and I go to a cycle/spinning class the day after my long run. AND!!! I run slower. (and even slower when there is moisture in the air!)

    Good luck!
  • KeepOnMoving
    KeepOnMoving Posts: 383 Member
    That would be me. Actually I have severe chondromalcia behind my knee caps. I started running in 2010 for the first time in a long time. I got over zealous. Apparently, a weak muscle and a tight muscle pulled my knee cap out of line. When the knee cap is out of line, your bones rub together wearing down the cushion in your knee (chondromalica.) So I guess you could say I have "secondary osteoarthritis." "Primary osteoarthritis" is what old people get from old age.

    I fight back the pain by doing cross training and stretches. If I run on hills, run on hard surfaces, do lots of jumping (mountain climbers, jumping jack squats, etc.,) then my knees will hurt the next day. Sometimes so bad that I have to take prescription anti-inflammatories. So I pace it out. I walk. Walking can get boring but I walk fast and my legs look sexy. I actually think I can lose and maintain by walking. I like tae bo and some boxing that uses my hips not knees. I also have a "Strong Knees" DVD that has advanced physical therapy strengthening exercises and stretches that make my knee pain go away and keeps my legs strong. This DVD is from bodyinsights.com.

    I miss running 5K and long distance so bad! I have tried running with some very supportive knee braces I got at a running store. I run flat, soft surfaces, like a high school track. But not too often. Mostly lack of time and convenience. My running friends run out at the lake on cement sidewalks that are hilly. Too much pressure for me, lacking cushion. I wish there was surgery that could just insert some cushion pads behind my knee caps. Good luck!
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