Feeling despondent

[Swissnotswiss]

I started running regularly about 2 years ago and, for the first time in my life, found exercising enjoyable. It has done wonders for my mental and physical health. However, after developing hip pain, I have now been told that I should not run (or even walk!) and should choose non-weight bearing exercise instead. I have osteopoenia and always thought I was helping my bones but apparently not. I do a lot of walking and hiking with friends and it keeps me sane. I honestly feel scared for the future now. I don't want to lose my hip mobility but I need to be able to walk and I so want to run. I'm only in my forties and I naively thought I would have years of hiking and running ahead of me. 😥Has anyone been through similar? Did you change your exercise routine? Is there anything else I can do? (The orthopaedic consultant was very brusque- basically "stop running, don't walk long distances, take vitamin D" and shoved me out the door!

Just saw your post. Did they not tell you what kind of exercises would be appropriate for you? Can you see an experienced personal trainer or a physiotherapist to come up with a plan?

FWIW, I was diagnosed with osteopenia in my mid-50s and started to develop hip pain in my 60s. I started weight training about 4 years ago and more recently have been working out with Caroline Girvan and Growingannanas on YouTube. I started out with light dumbbells but nowadays I routinely use 8-12 kg.

My most recent bone scan shows no further deterioration and I am no longer in any pain. I'm super fit and very strong. Definitely worth getting medical advice as to whether such a programme might be suitable for you.

Thank you! No, the dr was rather unhelpful and just very negative about exercise - except swimming which I hate. I'll take your advice and look for someone who can advise further.

I was going to suggest swimming but just seen your update! Would cycling be any good?

Can you self refer for physiotherapy? The physio will be able to advise what you can and should do.

I cycle as a means of transport but don't really want to do more than that as I live in a city. I'll have to pay for a physiotherapist but I'll see how much it is.

Investing in a few sessions with a physiotherapist or an experienced personal trainer who is used to working 'older' women is definitely worth it. (I'm saying 'older' not because you are old but because of your bones issues - you need someone who doesn't just train young people).

Getting you on a sustainable exercise regime in your 40s is so important. I did it in my 60s but so wish I'd done it sooner, because it IS life changing.

Stretching is a great first step and doesn't risk injury. Try this:

Growingannanas has some short, low impact workouts that are not too challenging, particularly if you do them at a slow pace and modify any exercises you might not feel up to.

I second getting an experienced physiotherapist who can provide a programme that will allow you to resume walking / hiking in time.

Your consultant sounds terrible, as a longer term plan that's rubbish.

1. I'd definitely see a physio. I've always found they have much more up to date specialised knowledge on this sort of thing than a GP. I've also found them more helpful in suggesting adaptations or alternative exercise than the blanket 'don't run again' that a GP sometimes gives.

2. I also found running later in life (that makes me sound ancient - I'm in my 40s, running for 12 years). At several times I've had injuries or other reasons that I've had to stop running, and felt the same as you. Through those times, I've discovered that it's actually being outside that's the secret ingredient for me. So outdoor bootcamps, open water swimming etc also make me feel great.

3. weight bearing exercise is really important for supporting joints/skeleton.

Thanks everyone!

You may be able to self refer for physio on the NHS. We can where we are in Derbyshire. Your GP sounds to have been very unhelpful.

Thanks but I'm not in the UK. This was actually an orthopaedic specialist, not my GP - who isn't very helpful either. 😂