Arthritis

You have osteoarthritis in your knee, which is a degenerative joint disease. The menisci get damaged as part of osteoarthritis.

Exercise will exacerbate the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, but we dont believe it accelerates the degeneration. So it wont damage your joint, but it will worsen the symptoms.

The decision is then yours about whether to give up jogging to avoid pain.

Hi Audrey. I completely understand your love of running. I did too. However--you guessed this was coming?--as you know, jogging is a high impact exercise. You have issues with arthritis now. Running most likely contributed to this. These issues tend to build with age--but hopefully can be managed. I've developed bad arthritis in my right knee. Now, merely walking can be a problem at times. IMO, jogging is likely to contribute to the further aggravation of your arthritis and its underlying causes..

But wait, there's good news! You can run on an eliptical and get the same results without the impact. Or if that isn't for you, swimming is a beautiful sport that's low stress on joints and is highly aerobic (yes, try it and you'll see). I love swiminhg now more than I ever did jogging! Honestly, finding a replacement activity will take the sting out of not jogging, if you go that route.

I may be wrong--but not likely. I know that joggers don't give up easily. Others may have a different experience and will suggest barefoot running etc. to ease the impact. Certainly running of a track or dirt paths is more forgiving than streets.

But I know how the strong desire to continue a sport can cloud the practical realities of your condition. And your doctor says it's ok so you should listen to him. I'm advocating for a long view. Don't end up like me! i just don't see how running can help your condition.

Yeah I swim in the morning too. I understand. Best wishes! Maybe tuck the idea of there being alternatives away in case it comes up later on.  I didn't stop running; I moved on to something even more enjoyable--for me.

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and we have to learn how hit them or strike out. Often times you have to back off and give it time to heal, then start up slowly again. Don't be like a friend of mine who was advised to slow down but in his infinite wisdom he knew better and decided to show the Dr he was dead wrong. Turned out it was my friend that was wrong....and dead. Massive coronary just like Dr advised. Right or wrong, those are the guys that have gone to school. On the flip side, no need to expect the worst until you go through the process. Take it one step a t a time, slow and easy. The one thing you learn about knee problems, everyone is different, in the way we handle activity and in the way we heal. I'm 11 surgeries and 5 complete rehabs, all different. Time and patience. Prepare for the worst and hope for best. Good luck.

I would strongly suggest that you stop running. Or prepare yoyrself for future Knee or Hip replacements. Perhaphs swimming. Or other low impact activities. Good Luck. Bangkok - Johnny TKR patient ex runner - still limping.