Hi 3FC runners, I have a question for you all!

I LOVE running and used to do a lot of it when I was a teenager. Bad joints (those which crack and pop frequently, especially after exercise) run in the family and I definitely have that gene. I also have been tentatively diagnosed with a hip condition called hip impingement in my right hip, which basically means the bone/socket do not fit together properly and there's a good deal of popping and cracking from that joint specifically.

My orthopedic surgeon (for whom I have little respect due to several missteps we've had since he treated me) only tentatively made this diagnosis, wants me to see a specialist, and doesn't want me doing ANY physical activity. I take his opinions with a grain of salt, especially because I'm living out of the US right now and won't be able to get the hip taken care of for at least another year.

All this to say I'd love to know what others' experiences have been with running and joint problems. Obviously I'm supposed to be doing only low-impact activities, but right now I"m using pain as my guide for when I think I can handle running and when I need to cut back.

Would love to hear your thoughts. Happy trails

sorry, can't help. My joints seem ok. ITB is my ongoing drama.
Sorry to hear that things are complicated (and expensive?) for you though. Sounds like you've got a sensible attitude, hope others can help!

Bah. Haven't run since the 5k on Saturday. It's too dark in the mornings at 5am, and I'm not getting home from work til around 9pm right now due to client demands, so unless I want to just suck it up and go on the treadmill at the gym (which I KNOW is what I should do!), I can do nothing more than whine. I have been spinning and weight training, so I'm not being completely idle, but there's really no substitute for running!

Indiblue - sorry to hear you're having joint issues. I had my knee worked on in November - surgery to remove a piece of torn meniscus, but they also then diagnosed me with arthritis - so I had two weeks recovery, six weeks physical therapy, and started working out again in the gym at around 10 weeks. I do a lot more strength and balance training now, following a bunch of exercises from my PT, and I'm very aware of my knee when I run. Ice and Aleve (per my surgeon and PT) are my friends. I don't know much about hip issues, as the only hip trouble I have is a tender IT band which is addressed with a foam roller (self-inflicted pain of the highest degree) and stretching. Hopefully you can find a medical professional, be it a surgeon or another form of professional, who can offer you some advice and a treatment plan.

So I chickened out yesterday and didn't run. The swelling just really concerned me. Today I wore a brace all day and it feels fine. I'm going to the gyn for ST and yoga tonight so I think I'll do my usual 1 mile warm up run and see how it feels. If it feels good and the swelling doesn't look too bad then I think I'll run tomorrow.

I feel so out of wack not being able to get my usual runs in. I'm so used to my schedule. And of course getting injured and not being able to run has been a huge fear of mine since I know what a key component to my weight maintenance it is. But I just don't want to be stupid and create a worse injury forcing me to have to take more time off.

I'm of no help in the joint department either. I'd say just listen to your body and do what feels right to you.

Thanks all for the input. I too have ITB issues that are likely related to my hip impingement. Should be spending more time with my foam roller

The advice about just following your own body is one I've generally adopted. Not exercising, which is what my doctor would prefer, is not optional, and running is just such a great activity. I'll continue to follow this common sense recommendation. Thanks!

Question! For the more seasoned runners - there's a race coming up on June 25, which in my town means 6am temperatures of around 80-90 degrees (but it's a dry heat!). I've done the 5k before, and it's a rolling hills course - no "Heartbreak Hill" but definitely up and down the whole way. The 10k is the same course only further out and back. I am running 3 miles comfortably and I run hills every time I run outside as there are no flat streets around my house. I'd like to tackle the 10k in June - am I being reasonable that I can double my distance in three months? Not running for time or anything - just to finish.

I did a weight training circuit yesterday that has left me with that bad but it's oh so good muscle soreness today. I think what did it was doing squats in between my upper body sets, then doing the leg press, hack squat and calf raise machines. Took today off but I have a 3.2 mile run planned for tomorrow - starting to build up to longer "long" runs. Can't wait - the weather should be perfect this weekend!

Jules - of course you'll be able to do 10km by June. You've already got running legs. Just keep gradually increasing the length of one run a week, or have a look on line for training programs.
10km of hills in the heat is a tough slog, but it's a great target and sounds like a good next step for you!

I"m just back from my 'long' run of the week at 17km. It absolutely chucked it down with rain all the way round, but it was nice! And i feel very virtuous now!

Abosolutly Jules! I trained for a half marathon last year in 18 weeks and up until that point 5 miles was my longest run. Just keep increasing your milage every week. You'll do great.

So I finally ran, ankle feels fine when I'm running but a little tender when I walk, weird. It's not swollen anymore so I think I'm recovering well. I'm being careful though as I don't want to exasterbate the situation. Hoping for a good long run this weekend, not sure how far with the ankle and all.

Ncueno-- dont...please- just give it a little time. doint force it. If it still has pain or sweling, you are especially at risk for making it worse.... and even IF it is feeling better, if it jusdt recentky happend it is NOT better..... take a spin class.. take a week off from running. DOnt make the same mistakes ive made.... you wont lose any fitnss in a week or two. TAKE CARE IF IT.. you KNOW you need to rest more, so take this opportunity to do so

Ran 5 miles at the park this morning (outdoor trail with hills)...the weather was sooooooo perfect, it was beautiful...I almost forgot what made me fall in love with running...it was running outdoors in this kind of weather.

Ok..I must be some kind of "freak of nature"...cuz I was totally scared wondering if I could pull the same 5 miles outdoors as I do indoors on my treadmill. Keep in mind I do NOT do hills, programs, etc. I just run at about 5-5.5 mph, no incline, for a little over an hour 4 days/week...simple.

Mannnnn.....I took off like a thoroughbred (sp?)...not stopping or slowing down even at this pretty steep hill on the trail I ran. After the 3rd mile, it was clear that I could run forever...haha! I barely broke a sweat and never got out of breath. It was down to what my muscles and joints could endure. It was a first...and it was a wonderful experience.

Last time I visited this park was back in end of November...I had worked my way up to 2 miles (if memory serves me correct) and that was a struggle. Today I was SKINNY CHICK running circles around everyone else at the track (well..maybe not everyone, but most)...it felt good...and for the first time...I realized something special.....


I'M A RUNNER!

joyfulloser - those sort of runs are the best! Well done, and it certainly sounds like you've done the hard yards on the treadmill, so you definitely deserve a lot of amazing fun-filled runs outside! Hurray for you!!

I am going to be running the Hills and Heels 1/2 Marathon on 5/1/11. I am working my way up in mileage. Did the long run for this week today. 8 miles. It went really well. The worst part was the wind, which here in Texas, is brutal this time of year. It was pushing so hard I barely had to hold myself upright. I got back home, looked in the mirror and thought "holy cow, I am really tan". Then I realized it was dirt. LOL

You are all doing so well. I rarely post here, but I read constantly. Ncuneo, I hope your injury is feeling all better very soon. Please don't push it though. I had bursitis in my left knee in Dec. and I didn't want to stop running, so I kept going. Stupid mistake. If I had let it rest originally for a week I would have been fine, but in my infinite lack of running wisdom, I figured "no pain, no gain". Well, I ended up having to have cortizone shots and a one month break. I had planned on running my first half marathon on 3/27, but because of me pushing myself, it put me behind training for 5 weeks. Please take care and be gentle with your legs. They are SO important.

Oye, I wish I would have checked in here earlier! I ran 9 this morning. BUT the good news is it didn't hurt at all and the swelling is 90% gone. The only time it hurts is a little bit in the morning, more like stiffness. And it hurts some when I turn it too far. It actually feels worse just walking, once I start running it doesn't hurt at all. It did swell a bit yesterday, no running but I ran Friday and walked a lot yesterday, but this morning like I said hardly any swelling, even after the run.

I promise I'm keeping an eye on it. And I hear all your concerns. Part of me has to kinda figure it out on my own, since like I said before I've never had a sprain, but I think I know my body pretty well and I think the sprain, if it even is a sprain, is really minor.

This is crazy...I'm sore today!! I'm never sore after a run (on the treadmill), and I found the treadmill much harder than the outdoor run (with hills)? Perhaps the fresh air in my lungs made it easier? I'm thinkin it did, cuz today I feel totally BEAT UP! Will try to squeeze out a quick 5 on the treadmill today (it's a bit chilly here today in my neck of the woods). Trying to make 25 miles this week (close to goal weight and need to rev up my workout a bit to push through to goal).

Thanks for the encouragement Ange82much!

That is a huge realization! Awesome!