Can you run with osteoarthritis ?
Osteoarthritis (OA) can be seen as a barrier for athletes preventing them from being able to participate in exercise such as running. Recent studies have shown however, that exercise is actually needed to assist with recovery and ease the effects of OA on the body.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition among runners and can affect an athlete for several reasons. It is not limited to older or inactive people , but occurs frequently in many young adults. Stress on joints such as hips and knees during running, combined with being overweight can result in an enlarged or deformed joint as the cartilage in the joint can break down. Movement can become extremely difficult and surgery is often proposed by medical professionals as the only solution.
Arthroscopy or clean out surgery are often offered to suffering patients, despite less expensive, safer and equally or more effective treatments being available for someone to manage their OA and get back to exercising again. Studies comparing the results from arthroscopy surgery to placebo surgery have shown that there is no difference in outcome.
Before contemplating surgery, give active management and rehabilitation exercise a go. It has been shown to significantly improve OA and allow a passionate runner to continue doing what they love – running.
