Jogging

A lot of negativity on here. I was a qualified fitness instructor when I was younger and I know that there are not many bodily aches and pains which cannot be improved by exercise at whatever age you are. If Eve wants to try jogging she should be encouraged not be put off by people. And jogging does not detach the knee joints!!

I started the couch to 5k nearly 2 years ago when I was 69, I’ve had knee pain and an arthroscopy in the past but apart from a few twinges when I first started my knees have never been better. I run at least 3x per week for 20-25 mins and have never looked back. Experts say running is good for your joints as it strengthens the muscles round them and it’s a myth that running is bad for your knees. Don’t give up it gives you such a sense of achievement and well being when you complete the 5K.

Definitely get your checked out before attempting any weight bearing exercise. I had a meniscal tear without knowing it which, when diagnosed meant all of last year in pain with horrendous swelling Round the knee. My Ortho appts at the hosp to see a Consultant were cancelled one after the other, due to Covid regulations. It's only since Xmas I've been more mobile, due to losing weight and enforced rest.

When I used to run, which I hated, only ever did it on a soft surface, as in one that I would canter a horse on.
So fast walking on roads. Running on grass, sand etc. Joints will say thank you.

How about Power Walking 3 times a week instead? Low impact therefore easy on the knees. Warm up with a 5 min walk, walk as fast as you can for 30 mins, cool down with another 5 min walk.

If you have knee issues then jogging is about as bad as it gets. Best to switch to something that is less strain on your knees - brisk walking, cycling, swimming etc. Especially if you are overweight (which I am), jogging/running is a really bad idea as you are putting insane pressure on your knees.

Am with alita, I use the same aids as her and can still jog with my Arthritis at 63

As a runner myself, I have 3 pieces of advice.
1. The couch to 5 K is a really good way to start as it eases you in gently.
2. Get a decent pair of running shoes. There are specialist shops that will put on on a treadmill to check your gait to help you get the right shoes for you. Expensive,but worth it.
3. A lot of runners injure themselves because their gait is wrong, i.e they take big strides and land on their heels (including me at one time). The best way is mall steps and landing on the ball of your foot ? which is a natural cushion. When I tried this I noticed a real difference. The BBC programme " The truth about getting fit at home" has a good demonstration of this. It may still be available on I.player.

All runners/joggers I know have ended up with joint problems. It you are feeling pain listen. It is your body telling you you are damaging it.

I agree that walking would be gentler. Although joggers are giving themselves a good work-out in the cardiovascular department I wonder what on earth they are doing to their joints. Surely pain is a signal to not punish your body so hard?

I’m 61 and started jogging last year with the couch to 5K. I also had a knee pain to start with but I read somewhere to give your pain a number from 1 to 10 and as you start easy with the programme, register the pain again. If it goes to 2 and then back to 1 or 0, then that feels ok. Obviously if you record a much larger number that doesn’t ease off, refrain and get it checked out. In my case my pain eased off to zero and occasionally rises to one and eases off again and Im now jogging up to 5 miles. Obviously take no risks but if this works for you, it may ease you in. The couch to 5K programme is a lovely way to start so good luck and hope you enjoy.

My mum had to get replacement knees years ago, private may I add cos NHS list was far too long. She suffered badly with arthritis and my sis and I look like we are heading in the same direction. I walk for miles every week, wouldn't dream of putting my bones through the pounding they get when running. A walk is lovely, you take in everything around you and the far better.

Hi Evie my question is why would you even consider jogging when you are experiencing pain in your knee, listen to your body love x

I practise Shotokan karate. Years ago, I hurt my knee (ligament trouble) but I continued training with support bandages etc. Eventually, after about a year, the injury had resolved. Sometime after, I had the same problem with my other knee. That time, I saw a sports physiotherapist and, along with exercises, he told me 'no karate for a fortnight!' Shock! Horror! I complied and a fortnight later he said, 'no karate for two weeks!' More devastation but I complied. Two weeks later, it was the same story but after six weeks my leg was better and my knee was strong. I went back to training with no pain.

Six weeks compared with a year of pain and discomfort. Now, I don't need to pay a physiotherapist to convince me that rest and rehabilitation are the best way to treat an injury rather than more of the same thing that caused the injury. Recently, I took a fortnight off to address a problem with a Bakers cyst. I'm back training now.

Listen to your body.

Rehab exercises for every part of your body are freely available on line.

The last 6-8 weeks have been torture for me. My left knee started to grind bone on bone, rang drs duly had an X-ray only to be told it the onset of arthritis and I can’t believe how quickly it’s overtaking my life. I’m actually struggling to even walk round the house now never mind take the dog round the park. I’m 69 this year, and it really has got me down how it’s changed my life! So depressing. I wouldn’t jog if I were you, walking is kinder to your joints! I do agree with the other comments it will only me matters worse by jogging.

Had 2 knee operations for torn cartilages and would not recommend running. See your GP first.
Meanwhile consider cycling once the weather’s better. I took it up saved a fortune by commuting to work and am now retired. I use my bike locally and only use my car for heavy shopping. Check out local cycle paths, try them first thing in the morning and avoid weekends as will be too busy.

Hello EvieJ .I think if your knee hurts when you run it’s your body telling you no !I had a painful knee which became worse so eventually had a knee replacement for severe osteoarthritis.Before this when arthritis was diagnosed I was advised not to jog because it put too much pressure on the joints and jolted them .Walking as much as you can tolerate and the exercises as Springchick has mentioned, swimming ,(but not breastroke I was informed by the consultant ) or a hydro jog class which is cycling in the water wearing floats is another way to go ,that was great ,it really worked for me.Theres always cycling on your trusty old bike or an exercise one !Also stretching, squats and leg lifting as well as the above I was advised are ideal, they don’t impact on your knee,but strengthen the correct hamstring muscles to support it.Little and often was the advice to keep it going.
Hopefully your knee is nt as bad as that but it does sound like early arthritis I m assuming that’s the case, but do take care anyway .
All the best to you .
Yes let’s all stay safe and well .

How old are your trainers, if >6 months old I’d be considering buying some new ones. Might cost you £100, but save your running career.

I’m a great believer in good old fashioned walking at a pace you can manage and sustain. Being out in the fresh air is also a bonus. Good pair of trainers a must. Happy walking!

If you had a painful shoulder would you take up tennis?
No.
If you've never jogged before then it would be foolish to start if you're already experiencing pain.
Get the pain investigated then consider jogging.

I would stop jogging and walk instead for the next month or so. To start off with with an elasticated bandage on if the pain is more than slight.

What kind of shoes you wear is important too, as you need a shoe that supports the foot.

A slight muscular pain can merely be due to muscles that you haven't used much for a while complaining now they are expected to work. It should go away as the muscles grow stronger again.

If the pain is in the actual joint, then that is a totally different matter, and you would be well advised to consult your doctor and / or a physiotherapist before starting or continuing any form of excercise.

our bodies have rights! first check out what is the problem in your knee, walking is better than running, there are gentler ways of keeping fit, i wonder what your knee would say if it could talk!?

It's great that you have started Couch to 5k, its a very safe programme for beginners. I have jogged for years, but gave up outside jogging some years ago due to an ankle injury. I started again last summer because I was desperate for some decent exercise! I had some knee pain, but I bought some knee supports which I can highly recommend. They are ones with 3 velcro straps which wrap around and completely support the knee joint. (not the elasticated ones, they just fall down). I also recommend silicone gel inserts for the shoes to protect the heels and ankles. I have had no joint pain at all since getting these 2 things. Just take it slow, and repeat weeks if you have to. I'm 64 and have no intention of giving up jogging in the near future! Good luck with it.

I agree far better to start off with a short walk and see how you feel. Pounding the pavements won’t help if you do have a condition with your knee

Jogging does nothing for the joints etc. except to detach them.
Walking is by far the best option.