Any runners with arthritis?

[flitwit99]

I have arthritis in my feet, big toes. The consultant rated it as "moderate to severe" for whatever that's worth. I've had it for about 12 years, since my early 30's. Also my elbows and wrists but that doesn't affect my running.

I love running and am still running now. I figure my joints are wrecked anyway so I might as well keep running. The consultant said that even if I do nothing for the rest of my life it will get worse because it's degenerative but still suggested swimming instead.

I saw a sports podiatrist who said do what makes you happy. If the pain in the joints outweighs the happiness you get from running then stop. And that's pretty much my philosophy.

But every now and again I get worried that I'm doing the wrong thing.

I worry a bit that my slightly odd gait (because I can't really move my toes) will result in damage to bigger joints, although this hasn't happened yet.

I worry that I'm just being daft and should just stop. I only run 5k,10k now and again. I'll never run a marathon. So i think I'm reasonably sensible about it but who knows?

Does anyone else run with arthritis and have similar debates with themselves?

Oh my goodness!!! I was just about to post something very similar seeking advice. What a coincidence!

I have been sporty all my life and I've done a lot of running, loads of 10kms and a marathon. I run at least two 10km races and one or two 5kms a year. However, at last year's Vitality 10km I struggled with excruciating pain in my feet because of arthritis in my toes. I made it to the end in just under 1hr but thought my days of running were done. I couldn't go through that pain again.

I've just looked at highlights of the London Marathon and I'm inspired to run again but I would like some advice on how to run with arthritis. Training is okay it's during the faster pace races that I suffer. It does help that late last year I tore my calf muscle but that's more or less back to normalish.

I'll be following this thread with interest.

I can't really help, but wanted to tell you that I volunteer regularly as tail walker at Parkrun and a couple of people I chat to regularly have arthritis. One only ever walks, because she gets pain a couple of days after exertion. She wants to be part of the Parkrun community, and wants to stay active, but knows that she can no longer run. The other does some running (at a very gentle jog) and walks whenever it gets too much (in practice this often mean ps jigging the flat sections and walking both up and down on gradients. She finds that exercise at this level alleviates symptoms,

So I suppose the best thing for you to do is listen ypto your body and what makes you feel better, including psychologically better. I'm guessing your consultant is recommending swimming because it's not weightbearing and so cause she considerably less stress. Perhaps you could have a chat at next review about balancing psych benefits against potential for damage, and see I find a middle ground can be found?

Also, these posts might interest you

www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/healthcare-professionals/network-news/november-2018-network-news/parkrun-practices/

arma.uk.net/parkrun-update/

mobile.twitter.com/drailyntan/status/995683536412839939

healthunlocked.com/nras/posts/134996520/parkrun-uk-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-study-university-of-west-of-england

Thanks for those links, I've asked to join the parkrun arthritis Facebook group, I didnt know about that.

I have found that medical people are reluctant to give an opinion. It makes sense that running will make my feet sorer and probably damage my joints even more. So I understand they are not going to tell me it's ok to keep doing it.

I want someone to tell me how much worse running is going to make them. I want someone to look ahead and tell me what state my joints will be in in 10/20/30 years time if I keep running, compared to if I don't. Then I can make a properly informed decision. But obviously no-one can tell me that so I'm just sort of making it up for myself as I go along. Usually I'm happy enough with my decision but sometimes I worry.

I have arthritis and run, I'm doing a half marathon this weekend. My consultant has said that if I'm able to run to keep doing it. Plantar fasciitis is also part of my condition and can sometimes cause issues but not for a while. As far as I'm aware the evidence on running making arthritis worse is inconclusive.

I had to stop running about five years ago the pain in my toes were just to sore!! But only on one foot!! I’m am now taking CBD oil and this seems to have stoped the pain but I have not started to run again as I’m really worried that the pain will start again!!

DH needs both knees and a hip replaced and still runs a bit - doing a 10k at the end of this month. Cycling has helped stabilise his knees massively as using clipped in shoes holds them in the right axis and has built loads of muscle. He has big bone spurs and lots of swelling plus mortons neuroma (one left out of three he had), but the surgeon said he can't make things any worse with his joints than they are.

the surgeon said he can't make things any worse with his joints than they are

That's sort of the conclusion I have come to with mine. A bit rubbish all the same though. Your DH must be really determined.

He says that it hurts all the time, so he might as well give it all a reason to hurt! Before he started cycling he had to use a stick as his knees collapse