Nothing could be more detrimental to an avid runner than hearing that the joints in their knees are slowly deteriorating due to OsteoArthritis. This leads to questions and concerns regarding how they should continue to use their knees and if they are able to continue to run on a regular basis.
OsteoArthritis in the knee joint is a very common condition that can lead to disability and pain. As the cartilage in the knee joint begins to wear out it causes the bones in the joint to rub together. The pressure of the bones in the joint cause bony spurs and swelling in the joint. With this added pressure to the joint comes discomfort and pain that can have a huge impact on a person’s ability to use the joint.
Even though the pain may be extreme enough to affect a person’s desire to run, there is no proof that continuing to run will make the situation worse. Common logic might tell us that if something hurts, we should avoid using it at all costs. This thought is true for runners who begin to see signs of OsteoArthritis. Their first reaction may be to slow down or even stop running altogether. However, experts now say that it is okay to continue to run and that running may actually be helping.Related: Get Outside & Enjoy Yourself!For runners who want to continue to run after the onset of OsteoArthritis, it is important to know your pain tolerance. If running is causing immense pain, it may be a good idea to slow down or even try a lower impact exercise for a while until you either address the OsteoArthritis through treatment or build up muscles around the knee to help with the pain.
Runners with OsteoArthritis with intense pain in the knees could lead to other injuries in your body. Without knowing, your body may be trying to compensate for the pain you feel in your knee by shifting weight and pressure to other areas of the body. These areas may not be equipped to handle that much stress and can become injured. Use your common sense when it comes to running with pain.
Arrowhead Health Centers can help develop a program for you that will allow you to continue to run and be active while addressing OsteoArthritis. When we work with patients, we include a physical therapist in the therapy and treatment to help promote physical activity. We also use other methods to help with relief from the pain you might be feeling.
Find out how we can help you manage your OsteoArthritis symptoms. Call us at 623-334-4000, extension 9, to schedule your consultation today.