Knackered knee-will I ever run again?

[Greenfingers37]

I’ve had a very painful knee for about 3 months. Seen by a physio who told me it was inflammation around the ligament and a doctor who said it was ligament damage. The physio exercises didn’t do much good so the GP gave me a steroid injection about 3 weeks ago. It’s definitely a bit better but is still pretty painful when I walk and clicks when I bend it.

I’m gutted as I’ve recently joined a running club (well, about a year ago) and I was beginning to really feel the benefit of it and was building up
my stamina, speed and distance. It’s become a really important part of my life and I’m worried I’ll never get back to it. Has anyone been through anything similar? I’m 57 with a BMI of 27. Thanks.

Get xray check for osteoarthritis

I was going to say the same thing I'm afraid - the clicking was the first sign of osteoarthritis for me (I'm 53). You should have this investigated.

This was me a couple of years ago. Ended up having an MRI which showed a torn meniscus. Steroid injection helped and it’s a lot better, but I wouldn’t dare run ever again.

It would still be possible to run
after building strength in surrounding muscles
being very sensible and not running if it’s sore
and “no marathon training” said the consultant
now
20 years post osteoarthritis and torn cartilage

My DH had a partial knee replacement and does parkrun each week but he doesn't run any other time. He did a lot of strength exercises post-op and didn't run for a year. I have another friend who had a knee operation (I think for a torn meniscus) and he runs but not as much or as fast.

I’m 49 with early onset arthritis and one of the first signs was clicking. I’ve been told in no uncertain terms to not run again, due to the impact. Strength exercises are ok for now, but I’m on the wait list for a partial knee replacement.

My friend is mid 40s but has a congenital defect in her knees which means that she had developed osteoarthritis in them both. She started training for a half marathon but had to knock it on the head when the pain got too bad. That said she is able to run short distances at a steady pace. She is happy with this for now but gutted she can’t do more.

so my answer is, it depends. You may be able to run a bit but might not be able to to what you wanted to in terms of running. If all you want is a steady social run then you may well be able to mange that, but time will tell for anything more.

Depends tbh. My mum hurt her knee at the same age and at 60 it’s still very painful. Losing weight has helped hers though.