Advise for trianing for a run with arthritis in one foot.

[mixedmama]

I am hoping to take part in the race for life in summer, but I have flat feet and talocanael (sp) coalision in my left foot which basically means to bones in my foot a joint when then shouldnt be. This has resulted in arthritis in my foot.

To give u an idea.. when I get up in the morning I have limp down the corridor for a while and if i sit on the tube for 20 mins I cant lead with my left foot and limp all the way until i get out of the station.

Am I being unrealistic trying to do this and does anyone have any tips to get me through it without making it worse.

Hi. I run, have had a neuroma (painful clubbing of the nerve between the bones of feet) in my right foot since 2003.

I despite the pain (which is intermittant rather than constant), I'm able to run by wearing particular running shoes, using voltarol gel beforehand and by using ice packs on the affected area afterwards. Would something like that help you?

Could you sign up and just know that you may have to stop and walk the course?

I think you probably know your own limits better than anyone else though.

I can walk it but really want to try as I am ntrying to lose weight as well, so want to take up running abit. I will perhaps try the gel and ice packs that sounds like a good idea.

Is your neuroma fixable?

Not really - there is an operation where they remove the nerve but it means being off your feet for ages and there is no guarantee that it will not grow back the same. I figure if it is manageable, then I'll put up with it. I can't wear high heels any more, but at least I can walk and even run.

Good luck with starting running - it is great for weight loss. Just remember to take it really slowly at the beginning. Have you seen the Couch to 5K programme on coolrunnings.com? Great for beginners.

Find a specialist running shop near to you as they will be able to assess your gait and get the right shoes for you.

They should know the running clubs in your area as having advice about getting your running technique right and when to stop will minimise the chances of doing yourself more mischief.

Firstly I would see a podiatrist who should be able to advise on the best running shoes and possible orthotics/inserts to help (as these might be different for running as opposed to your usual activity).

Definitely use a specialist running shop to buy running shoes after consulting a podiatrist.

Take glucosamine (1500mg) daily to help with the addition wear of running which could irritate your arthritis.

If you can, see a physiotherapist (there are lots of excellent private ones, up here cost around £35 initial (long) consultation, £20 follow-up) to seek advise on how best to train and what exercises you should be doing between runs to ensure you are not causing excess stain on other joints (which is often what happens when one part of the body is sore) and should also be able to advise on how to use cool/heat packs and anti-inflammatories.

Good luck!
(Ps. I have a hip replacement and arthritis in my toes but can't run- just do lots of walking for charity- but see a physio & podiatrist regularly)

sorry for all the typos trying to type at speed- strain not stain for instance!!

Thanks everyone that is all great advice. Will definitely take on all the advice and it seems the running shoes are going to be very important and tbh I should have thought to see a podiatrist and physio sooner.