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Any people with medical or personal experience for some advi

Slinkybaz
Slinkybaz Posts: 312 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi All

I have recently been starting to try out running again after having to stop it for some time due to shin splints. I'm now not suffering with shin splints as my Gym Instructor gave me some additional strength training to help with the shins. Anyway, I digress. I have now returned to some interval training on the treadmill, hoping to eventually build up to just running with no walks in between.

The problem is that my Mum has had both her knees replaced due to OsteoArthritis. This can be hereditary and also has links with obesity (31 pounds down and still going) and other factors.

I'm just wondering whether someone with my background should maybe not be running at all? (much as I enjoy it, I'd rather keep my own knees!) This hasn't come from nowhere - I do get aches in my knees sometimes and occasional weakness I can feel (for instance, when you go to sit down on the toilet - excuse the honesty!)

Does anyone have any light to give on this subject? Also, what exercises would you avoid or continue? I'm hoping that if I maybe have to consider not running I can still do the Cross Trainer, Bike, Hill Walking on the Treadmill, Stepper (though I believe that machine is EVIL!) as well as all my strength training.

Thanks for your help people.

Replies

  • catgirl711
    catgirl711 Posts: 59
    Well from both experiences you've mentioned, I've been told by a number of people, professionals and trainers that if you have knee problems or can at all avoid running you should. It's very hard on your joints especially if your form isn't perfect (and most rarely are).
    I'm only 21 and I've had knee problems for awhile, I can't run, it hurts too bad. But I do other exercise machines like ellipticals, arc trainers, bikes, and can get a great work out without as much stress to my knees. Stair steppers are really hard on your knees too so I'd say you can leave that evil machine alone ; )

    Hope I've helped a little bit
    Caitlin
  • Jolenebib
    Jolenebib Posts: 142 Member
    I have testy knees from past injuries. I've found that strengthening the muscles around the knees helps to support them better. Stability exercise and balancing on the bocu ball help with this a lot. During PT, they had me put a band around my ankles and do lunges, high knee kicks, side steps, etc with the resistance to build up the stability muscles.

    I've found that good shoes that fit my running style help. The stepper machine does hurt my knees, but if you have the ones at your gym that are similar to a treadmill of steps - like you're actually walking up a flight of stairs, those are great and I haven't had any problems. Biking is great because its low impact - you just need to make sure your bike is setup properly, because if not, it will cause more knee issues. Really, if it hurts, don't do it or dial the resistance back a bit. Make sure you warm up really well also.
  • Slinkybaz
    Slinkybaz Posts: 312 Member
    Thanks guys for the input. I have to make an appointment to see my Doc soon about something else so I'll ask him while I'm there too.
  • RocketsGirl75
    RocketsGirl75 Posts: 648
    Slinky bump. :)
  • Collinsky
    Collinsky Posts: 593 Member
    Bump!
  • bllowry
    bllowry Posts: 239 Member
    I have Lupus and the resultant Rheumatoid Arthritis that goes with it; I now also have Osteoarthritis in both knees. I would say listen to your knees! I bowled for 2 hours Sunday and have barely been able to get up the stairs the last few days. My doctor recommended riding a bicycle and its been brilliant as I burn calories and my knees don't scream at me. I use the elliptical my son gave me for short bursts. I also walk, but like Jolenebib pointed out good shoes are imperative.
  • SuzMac1981
    SuzMac1981 Posts: 708 Member
    I work at one of the best known orthopedic hospitals in the country.... trust me when I say that I've heard this MANY times from ortho surgeons who replace knees all day in the O.R.
    :
    "People who run keep me in business."

    So even though I've attempted jogging a couple of times on the treadmill, I have now come to the realization that I don't need to be a runner. I'd rather be a bicyclist or a cross country skier or a swimmer or something less impacting on the joints!

    Just my thoughts....
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,130 Member
    Have your knees assessed. IMO some high impact is good so the bones can get more density which offsets osteoarthritis. Elderly people are prone to it and studies show that a strengthening and exercise routine helped to reduce it. Again see if you have any of the starting stages. If not, and it doesn't hurt to run, then I would think it's okay.
  • Slinkybaz
    Slinkybaz Posts: 312 Member
    Thanks for all the comments everyone, and any further advice will be gratefully received.

    Appreciate it people :-)
This discussion has been closed.

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