To think I could run a marathon with a torn meniscus

[alittlebitdelusional]

Well, a suspected torn meniscus.

I injured myself last year and have been running since then, but I finally saw a physio at the start of this year who has referred me for imaging. She has a pretty confident feeling that I’ve torn my meniscus with potentially some ligament damage. My first consultant physio appointment is in three and a half weeks.

I still love running. I’ve had to reduce it over the last few weeks because of pain, but I think part of that is down to running in some seriously worn out trainers that are not designed for running. Think Primark £10 memory foam trainers 😬 I keep seeing the marathon runners this year and I really, really want to do it.

AIBU to think I could? Should I just shelve this dream?

I can’t stress enough how bad an idea it would be to train for & complete a marathon with a torn meniscus, genuinely I can’t.

I run marathon’s and the training blocks put a huge strain on even a totally healthy body, never mind working with an injury.

Running with pain changes the way you run and you over compensate somewhere else which can then lead to other injuries particularly in the hips, shins and achilles, then you’d have multiple injuries to contend with. A torn meniscus also provides less cushioning in the knee and continuing to run especially long distances will put stress on the cartilage and damage the joint over time which then increases your risk of arthritis specifically knee osteoarthritis.

Running isn’t a blanket no, your 2k up to even 10k would potentially be fine, but nothing close to the marathon distance would be without serious risk and not worth it.

Meniscus tear can open up like a zip (been there).

I’m not making a dig at older people. It’s just a fact about where I live. It’s constantly pushed by our local NHS trust as it’s a huge, huge issue that they face.

@Cleocaterpillarcan I be nosy and ask what you are experiencing now in your forties? I am in a similar position now - hours of fell running in my twenties and thirties and now I’m falling apart.

I’ve been told it’ll never be fully healed and I can’t live my life like I’m 80 for the next 60 years

I've been there. I don't live my life like I'm 80! I'm sorry to say I don't really run anymore, though. If it's a major tear and the surgery ends up being quite big, life isn't over. I recommend getting most of your cardio fitness from cycling, swimming etc and minimizing running. There was an adjustment period, there was some real grief, but you adapt.

If it's a minor tear, probably won't be much of a problem.

I was told that as long as I work within the limits of my pain (e.g. stop if it becomes sharp or unbearable), and it’s not unstable, I can carry on like I was.

Does it not lock? Sadly I could run with no pain but it would horribly seize up within 24 hours and I couldn't even walk on it.

I’ve recently had to accept that I won’t be running the marathon I’ve trained for months for due to an overuse injury. Marathon training blocks hurt! And I started out totally injury free and healthy. Currently only able to do 1 min run 1 min walks for brief periods. I miss running so much and wish I’d taken longer to build up to a marathon block.
It’s good that you’re strength training, and running short distances. Like other posters have suggested, try out some shorter distance races first. Park run, local 10k etc. See what is said at your appointment coming up.

Thankfully I seem to not be getting any locking. It can pinch for a moment or two but it’s not locked yet. It is something that scares me though

I have a feeling, just from the fact I’ve been walking around on it for nearly a year and running regularly prior to a few weeks ago, that it’s leaning more minor. I do also wonder whether it’s a tear at all

DH tore his meniscus during COVID and has run several ultra marathons since but he has always been a runner. Running is not inherently bad for you. There are many factors involved. OP I wouldn't commit to a marathon at this stage but gradually build your endurance and strength and see how you get on.

What sort of distances and how often were you running before your injury and how old are you?

I mean I’ve entered the ballot, you have a less than 2% chance of being chosen 😂 it’s just something I would love to do one day, it’s such an amazing achievement

5k, three times a week

Could you run London/Brighton this weekend? No.

Could you you it next year with the right training etc? Absolutely. Source: my torn ACL and Meniscus.

I tore my meniscus 18months ago maybe and I run 50-60km a week now. I reduced my running for around 4 months and did lots of strength and conditioning and built back up again. I wouldn't rule out a marathon in your future just not your immediate future.

I'd be looking at getting your leg better first then train for a 10K.
For a mararthon, you'd be looking at 4+ months of training.

I’m aware it’s a lot of training and I’m not entirely sure why everyone thinks I’m on about rocking out of bed and running one

Do you have much else going on in life? Friends?

No guarantee that a steroid will make it safe to run, either - they can increase the risk of a full rupture especially if somebody is daft enough to run even longer distances on it, degrade the cartilage further, introduce infection, reduce healing rates...I've had some steroids and the consultants really, really hate doing them because of the chances that they either make everything worse or the patient feels invincible and permanently cripples themselves in the process.

You really need to get your running gait analysed. It’s good you’ve got good running trainers but you need to understand how your foot lands. Your pelvis takes 3 x your weight, your ankles 10 x. It’s really important to understand what kind of shoe you need and where you need the support the most.

There are some rude comments here, but you equally don’t seem to like many answers that suggest your wish is unrealistic. Spoken from someone who never ran, bought ASICS GEL Nimbus because I’d read they were great back in October when I first started running… and did a gait analysis in January to find they were completely wrong for me. I’m running the London marathon on Sunday in a completely different shoe. If you’re hell bent on this dream being a reality, do it properly from the get go and go see someone who will advise on the best shoe for your condition

Forgot to add: If it’s medically advised you’re able to do so

How rude do you want to be tonight?

I don’t think wanting to be fit and healthy is daft.

No, you didn’t. You just wanted to be rude.