A conversation from Facebook
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Erica Clarkson
I hope it’s OK to post this question here, but where better to get some advice 🙏
Does anyone successfully train and compete with Osteoarthritis? I have mild-moderate OA in both knees (recently diagnosed). I was doing OK until I started to make my distances shorter / faster back in February in preparation for some British Masters events (having done long-distance running before that).
Are my running days over?
😭
Karl Dines
I’ve had it now for a few years,best advice I can give which helped was to use good shoes with a lower heel to toe drop,Hoka,Saucony,this takes pressure of knees,also try and do your quality work on grass,the advice now is to keep plugging away and hopefully you will get a routine that works for your,good luck 🏃♀️🥂
Gwyneth Hueter
Karl Dines I found that out years ago and run barefoot on grass on a regular basis. The ultimate zero heel drop. Keeps my naughty left knee under control. That and taping around the bottom of the knee cap to keep it tracking correctly.
Malvin Smith
Hi
The key is to get into cross training
and knee strengthening exercises
Versus arthritis is a good start
It’s all about balance as osteoarthritis will wax and wane
You could also consider seeking advice on injectable therapy
There are options for acute flares such as steroids although evidence would suggest exercise is just as important
And also other injections are available privately with a range of agents
During a flare pull back rest us
Try non weight bearing exercises
Good luck
Ruth Perioli
I have it in one knee .Able to compete but train totally on grass or trail .Loads of strength conditioning and supplement long runs with cross training .Found the stair master great
Ron Hunter
Low level plyometrics may help ..see a good physio ..looking into things like PRP injections .. use a bike /aquajogging to substitute track session but retain fitness …always have a bag of ice not too far away …quality over quantity in sessions..
Sarah Davies
My husband was a very good jumper/sprinter now with a very arthritic knee. He’s had 2 Ostenil injections which had to be done privately. Hoping this will help alongside strength work and a knee strap for running. And like said above, quality over quantity. Good luck 🤞
Sian Lewis
I know it’s not the same, but I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 21 when I was competing at an international level. I will never let it stop me from doing what I love doing but I do have to manage it. I don’t think I could train as a 400m hurdler anymore! I now train and compete over 400m, 800m and 1500m and run the odd cross country race. These distances are kinder on the joints than sprinting.
I have medication to help me control it which has meant that a lot of the time I am pain free, but when I do have a flare, it’s agony.
Wishing you all the very best and I hope you find a way to manage it and continue what can only be described as the best sport in the world!!
Erica Clarkson
Author
Sian – thank you so much 🙏 Loving your positivity. Have you found any particularly better/worse track spikes for these distances? Xx
Sian Lewis
Erica Clarkson you’re welcome! I’ve had to live with it for nearly 20 years now and I think I would be in a worse state if I didn’t exercise (mentally and physically!!)
I love the Nike Air Zoom Victory spikes. They have the air bubble at the front so nicely cushioned xx
Erica Clarkson
Author
Sian – thank you! This is amazing to know. Do you use knee braces? Promise to leave you in peace soon 😊
Sian Lewis
Erica Clarkson ha ha! No worries! No, I don’t use knee braces but at the moment my knees aren’t causing me pain.
Christine Anthony
I have osteoarthritis in one knee and was advised not to run 4 years ago. But with lots of physio and strength work, plus two Ostenil injections ( privately) I can now happily train and compete. Although I have changed from marathon running to 400 and 800ms. Hence less training.
Erica Clarkson
Author
Christine – thank you 🙏 Great to hear you’re running well. Are the results with Ostenil usually good?
Christine Anthony
I’m wearing Nike air zoom victory just for racing. I generally train in Hoka Clifton as they have plenty of cushioning, and occasionally Nike Vaporfly for short training.
Erica Clarkson
Author
Amazing! Thank you. I feel a shoe shopping frenzy coming on. Every cloud!!
Erica Clarkson
Author
I’m so grateful and heartened by all your encouraging comments! Thank you everyone. Please keep them coming xx
Throw queen ‘Shazza’
Yes I have OA in both knees , my left knee is a knee replacement .
I am a thrower and have had to adapt my training (and throws technique ) to ensure I don’t make the symptoms any worse and can carry on. I’ve had to build up a lot of strength in quads to help support the knees .
It isn’t easy by any means but i am determined to continue to throw for as long as possible .
Manny Ogunniyi
This is only my experience and mine only so every athlete would be different depending on the severity of the situation.
I’m giving up long jumping and had to give up 100-200 sprinting as my knee can’t take it! I’ve had PRP injections, Steroids (only permitted 2 as it’s really bad for the tendons/ligaments), shockwave therapy, physio, acupuncture, chiropractic…, & muscle manipulations; and I frequent the gym 2-3x a week with specific weights exercises – deadlifts, squats, leg press and body strengthening drills; Yoga, Calisthenics, Pilates and water exercises + supplements. It’s touch and go!
Now my Achilles after 2 major surgery- I’m not allowed to long jump anymore as I can’t have another high risk surgical procedure.
Do your research and try to visit the best therapists that will listen, look into the biomedical and biomechanics aspects of your body.
Supplements can only go so far!
Don’t give up until you know you’ve tried everything possible only for you. Be considerate and cry your eyes out if you need to, but the years ahead of you… needs to quality and not quantity – so listen to your body or the broken body parts/cogs might not be fit for the years to come!!!
The pain never goes away it just depends on how severe your osteoporosis is, and how you manage it!
I might try shot putt and see if I can manage it – if not! Then no athletics for me but to attend events and support my fellow competitors that I shall miss!
Using the right shoes could be beneficial but not the final answer
Hope this helps!
Erica Clarkson
Author
Manny – thank you so much for this helpful answer. I hope shot works out for you … with your experience, determination and resilience, I’m sure it will xx
Angela Bryant
My Husband has Psoriatic Arthritis and has problems with his knees especially his left knee which has swollen up he was on MTX by tablet form also Hymroz but has come off them as he felt they weren’t working, he continues to run but less distances anything up to 10k his favourite is the parkrun 5k he has lost the momentum or his mojo but won’t give up his running if what slower pace, he also has problems with his hands (left) and his feet(left) which swell up also early morning stiffness which eases up after a few hours.
Gaye Clarke
No, lots of masters athletes run with arthritis, it’s just learning your limits and managing your body to what you can put it through and still walk the following day!
Erica Clarkson
Author
Gaye – thank you 🙂 I’m starting to realise that I’m not alone. Already feeling a lot more optimistic. So glad I popped this post on the page x.
Robert Weightman
I had Meniscus surgery in both knees(keyhole).2 years apart in my mid to late 40s.was told I had OA in both knees too..!..I’m now 68 and still going strong mainly by changing my approach to running..as already mentioned,Quality over Quantity..and strength and Conditioning in the gym.Squats,deadlift, lunges etc to strengthen my knees..they are still painful but I manage to to train as regular as I did in my 40s..
Erica Clarkson
Author
Thanks Robert – I’m so encouraged by this as I have multiple meniscus tears. Do you wear knee braces for any of this?
Robert Weightman
Erica Clarkson I’ve recently started wearing these for track sessions and find they give solid support to my knees and calves..I also wear Bearhug knee supports too..!..
May be an image of activewear
Erica Clarkson
Author
Wow! Love it! What are those?
Robert Weightman
Erica Clarkson ..
Robert Weightman
Winter Warmers too..!..win win..🙏
Erica Clarkson
Author
Robert – double win!!
Adrian Essex
I’ve had Rheumatoid Arthritis for almost exactly 10 years now, luckily, the drugs are still working.
I’ve had scans on a couple of joints, hip and knee, and , yes there is osteoarthritis in both, and I suspect in all the others. But the recommended approach is to keep using the joints. Atrophy on top of decay would only multiply the problem.
Someone has suggested tape to keep a joint in line, and I find that walking carefully to keep joints aligned can relieve most of the discomfort. I also find that I can run with relative comfort, but walking is more difficult.
I’ve also had to have two operations this year, and at 73 was very near the upper age limit for surgery even to be considered, but the fitness that comes from regular participation in athletics counted in my favour and I have recovered well from both.
This is a useful and informative thread. Unless anyone would prefer me not to , I would like to post it (anonymised if you prefer) to the BNMAF website and some other regional club groups.
Erica Clarkson
Author
Adrian – thank you so, so much Adrian – again, I’m so heartened by your reply and delighted to hear that you’re doing so well 🙂 Please share away – I’m very happy to go wider with this thread and don’t need to be anonymised. I feel so much more positive and grateful for the openness of all the other athletes. Let’s spread the joy x
Caroline Marler
4 weeks post partial knee replacement. Will let you know later what i can do once rehab finished.
Erica Clarkson
Author
Caroline – wishing you a speedy recovery xx
3d
Maddy Collinge
I.would say no too
My OA was in both hips and I have had 2 THRs over the past 20 months. My running has taken a hit but I am still out there doing it. I think if you stop you will never start again 😭
Penny Barber
Yes in one knee & possibility started in the other. I do lots of quad stretches & 2 or 3 short gym sessions a week with heavy weights. See a physio. I do 40 to 50 miles a week including a long run of 14 miles & a couple of speed sessions (2 mile warm ups for these). I usually do my steady runs to include a lot of soft and variable surfaces.
