Running

[Russ Greaves]

Despite my original post, I did defect to the MAMIL community last year, but returned to do my first run in about six months this week. Was pleasantly surprised to see cycling had more than maintained my fitness levels and I managed a relatively comfortable 20:30 5k. I do prefer wheels, though!

[nutsaboutamber]

Be aware folks, 52 and have just been advised to give up running as my right knee is 'disappearing.' Thirty odd years of light running, never done a marathon or a half but the concrete jarring and impact is taking a severe toll. Shame but walking for me in future.

[rocky]

Sorry to hear that, Nuts. You might be advised, though, to seek a 2nd opinion. There's a significant amount of research in recent years that debunks the myth that running damages your knees, and often shows that running (and other physical activity) is actually good for the knees. Indeed a reverse relationship between cartilage damage and running exists, and that too much sitting actually weakens the knees. e.g.:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27699484
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acr.22939/abstract
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23377837
Certainly, if the damage is already there, then running (and other sports) will cause pain.  Hopefully your walking will help to strengthen the knees enough to encourage running once again.

[cambcam]

Jan 27, 2017 18:35:35 GMT nutsaboutamber said:

Be aware folks, 52 and have just been advised to give up running as my right knee is 'disappearing.' Thirty odd years of light running, never done a marathon or a half but the concrete jarring and impact is taking a severe toll. Shame but walking for me in future.

Same age as you and pretty much in the same situation too nuts.

Mentioned on here a couple of years ago about knee issues and various strategies (trainers/gait analysis etc) which might help, but fundamentally the cartlidge in the left knee is wearing out and there's not a great deal that can be done about that. Whether or not that's a running related issue or simply a genetic/degenerative thing is open to question, but the "jarring and impact" of running has got to take its toll somewhere.

Been struggling since a very gentle treadmill run about 20 months ago. Was walking with a fairly severe limp for a week or so, then eventually it settled down. From then onwards, it's been a case of exercise > inflamed knee > rest for a few days > excersise again > inflamed knee > rest and repeat etc etc. After eventually getting some specialist medical advice, it would appear it's a degenerative tear situation with surgery having pros and cons; pros perhaps easing the pain but the cons being removing cartlidge which is already in relatively short supply!

Had signed up to do the Cambridge 'half' which in hindsight was probably a stupid thing to do, but the doc gave me a steroid injection and I mistakenly thought that would last long enough to see me through - the pain was masked for about 10 days (during which time I was 'flying') and then came back with a vengeance. Really gutted I'm not able to take part now, as from a general fitness point of view feel as good as ever.

To support your comment and thoughts regarding the affects of running; during the last 20 months or so I've done a few cycling events (including the London 100 mile which was at the time I was walking with a limp!), and had no problems whatsoever. 3 miles on a treadmill and it's sore for about 3 days. Chalk and cheese which has got to be all about impact.

Have to say too it a real bummer trying find an alternative to running. The cross trainer or exercise bike at the gym just don't cut it and I long for a blast on the treadmill. I really struggle with that. The emotions are amplified by the good lady who picked up a pair of trainers for the first time a couple of years ago and now knocks out 'Halves' in under 2 hours with relative ease. Boooo. No, I mean I'm very pleased for her. Just wish we could do it together!

So I reckon it's back to the doc to talk options through, but fear it's time to hang up the shoes altogether, which no doubt about it, would be very hard to take.

[shubs]

Sorry to hear your news, both Nuts and Cam. I am sure you have checked out all your options but it is definitely worth leaving no stone unturned before finally hanging up the old running shoes.

My story is that I need a back operation at the age of 53. It is to do with having a narrow spinal column, a condition that I was born with apparently. It means that my spinal cord is now pinched and twisted causing a bit of pain and discomfort. My point is that the consultant neurologist I am seeing says that running, footie etc are absolutely fine. The only things to avoid are rugby and kick boxing. Fat chance of me doing either of those!

I think sometimes the GP default position is just to say stop running, so always good to get different opinions I reckon. Good luck with it all chaps.

[cambcam]

I think you're spot on there shubs and Rocky made some really good points too.

The specialist did say he didn't see any reason why a 'half' wasn't attainable and the steroid injection was one of a few options. I think I was expecting much, much longer relief from the injection and was shocked when it was 'spent' in just over a week. I just assumed the damage must be fairly serious and got pretty pissed off and demoralised.

It does make sense to explore all possibilities which strictly speaking, I've haven't quite done yet.

We live in hope!

[spyros]

Jan 27, 2017 12:21:53 GMT rocky said:

...and mud. Certainly not one for setting PRs. Could do with better signage/road markings/marshalls, but a friendly event for anyone (i.e. many non-university runners). In recent years it has been largely oversubscribed, so tends to be decent sized - I think there are over 700 already registered for this year. In the last few years, they've had to limit numbers - not sure if that is still the case. When I first ran it (in the late 1980s), there were perhaps 35-40 runners. I'd say roughly half do the half, half the full marathon, so you wouldn't feel out of place running either distance.

Cheers Rocky - it's an honour to take a tip from a genuine 1980s-era running crank!

On the subject of injuries/retirements - I'd agree that the default position of a GP is understandably 'well, don't do it then', but as a mere lad of 44 I'd put a word in for strength exercises - lunges, squats etc. as well as, I'm afraid, stretching and yoga. In theory at least, if you can stay strong and supple, you can keep going*

*That's if you want to of course. There's also lots to be said for just going and doing something different!

[cambcam]

So, anyone from here take part in the Cambridge Half Marathon yesterday?

Gutted I couldn't take part for reasons explained in earlier posts, but was very happy to go along and cheer from the sidelines. Only saw a couple of runners in U's shirts this year, one guy coming across the line in 1:47ish and the other at about 2:00.

Very pleased for the good lady with her PB of 1:53:37.

Heard quite a few people talking about PB's so maybe the grey conditions and slight change of route worked in everyone's favour. It's getting to be quite a sizeable event now the Cambridge Half, which seems like an enjoyable experience for runners and spectators alike.

Well done to all U's that took part, keep up the good work.

[C4MBU]

Off to see Dr Hull tomorrow. The knee replacement specialist at Addenbrookes. Mid 40's, 3 previous ops under my belt. If I could run I'd still be chasing a football all day long. I have genuine admiration for anyone that can run that sort of distance. Could never do it even in my prime. Would challenge anyone over 60/200m though. There's a lot to be said about cycling and keeping fit without trashing the knees. Whilst those articles above were interesting about running/correlation with knee issues the anecdotal evidence from athletes particularly footballers is somewhat different.

[Deleted]

Hi C4MBU. Good luck tomorrow. I have had 3 cartliage ops between ages 21. 35. 42yo
Now 57yo knee shot to pieces, cant even run 20 yards. I was told had to be over 60 for a new knee, as they only last 15 years, and a younger person will wear them out quicker as they will be more active.
Hope your Dr. Gives you a much better outlook. Be interested to see how it turns out. Good luck.🖒🖒

[C4MBU]

Mar 12, 2017 21:31:03 GMT SFCU said:

Hi C4MBU. Good luck tomorrow. I have had 3 cartliage ops between ages 21. 35. 42yo
Now 57yo knee shot to pieces, cant even run 20 yards. I was told had to be over 60 for a new knee, as they only last 15 years, and a younger person will wear them out quicker as they will be more active.
Hope your Dr. Gives you a much better outlook. Be interested to see how it turns out. Good luck.🖒🖒

Thank you for the supportive post. Unfortunately it's not good news for me. Apparently I have tricompartmental osteoarthritis grade 4, in my left knee. I got told today I require a total knee replacement. I am still trying to get my head around it.

Have to say they were amazing today at Addenbrookes. Waited for no more than 10 minutes and they spent absolutely ages with me reviewing all the X-rays and Mri's showing the differences between my good and bad knee. In the docs words there is very little articular cartilage left on the femur and tibia with the back of the knee cap bare and looking like papermache. It's releasing debris into the joint which is causing all my locking up. I asked if I could just have another arthroscopy to clean it out but was told the cartilage erosion and bone damage is that sever it wasn't worth doing as would only give 3-6 months max so they couldn't justify it.

[imp566]

rubbish news! Any estimate for when you might expect to get your "new knee"?

[C4MBU]

Was told to expect the official diagnosis letter within two weeks which will recommend a TKR and outline everything then. I asked what the procedure was for a second opinion and alternative options. He smiled politely and explained they can't force me to have the op and that it is always best to put it off for as long as possible especially due to my age. But there are no alternatives due to it being 'tricompartmental' and it will just keep getting worse until I have the Op. offered to give me a corticosteroid injection for temporary relief in the meantime.

[Deleted]

Mar 13, 2017 18:39:26 GMT C4MBU said:

Mar 12, 2017 21:31:03 GMT SFCU said:

Hi C4MBU. Good luck tomorrow. I have had 3 cartliage ops between ages 21. 35. 42yo
Now 57yo knee shot to pieces, cant even run 20 yards. I was told had to be over 60 for a new knee, as they only last 15 years, and a younger person will wear them out quicker as they will be more active.
Hope your Dr. Gives you a much better outlook. Be interested to see how it turns out. Good luck.🖒🖒

Thank you for the supportive post. Unfortunately it's not good news for me. Apparently I have tricompartmental osteoarthritis grade 4, in my left knee. I got told today I require a total knee replacement. I am still trying to get my head around it.

Have to say they were amazing today at Addenbrookes. Waited for no more than 10 minutes and they spent absolutely ages with me reviewing all the X-rays and Mri's showing the differences between my good and bad knee. In the docs words there is very little articular cartilage left on the femur and tibia with the back of the knee cap bare and looking like papermache. It's releasing debris into the joint which is causing all my locking up. I asked if I could just have another arthroscopy to clean it out but was told the cartilage erosion and bone damage is that sever it wasn't worth doing as would only give 3-6 months max so they couldn't justify it.




Tough news C4. Must admit my last arthroscopy made the condition worse.

Knee lock is horible.
2 of my old rugby mates have had new knees. They said best thing ever,
they said its a new lease of life.
1 had half a new knee, whatever that is.
whatever route you go down will be better than you are now.

[C4MBU]

Apparently one of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis is "stiffness in the morning that can last for up to 30 minutes"

Maybe it's not all that bad after all!😉