About Karen Brawner Expertise I can answer questions regarding osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I can also answer questions regarding other autoimmune diseases of which rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
Experience I have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis and I myself suffer from osteoarthritis. I also suffer from systemic sclerosis and CREST syndrome which are also autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.)
Question I am a 34 year old male and was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees about a year ago. Up to that point I had been running 4-5 times a week on a treadmill for about a year (lost 20 lbs). Before that, every couple years I would take up running for exercise (no significant weight loss). I was very active in sports while growing up, too. But, before the weight loss, I've always been 20-40 lbs overweight.
About a year ago I had had a fair amount of pain develope on my inner thigh (almost behind my knees), and had noticed some pain over the past few years in the same spot, whenever I would kneel down (to fold clothes). As it got worse, the Dr. took an x-ray, saw nothing wrong, put me on anti-inflammatories and said I could resume running after a short break. Shortly after the break, I was running and felt a "pop" in my right knee and had to stop because it hurt to continue. This was curious because I could walk with no pain or limp.
I went back in for an MRI, where the Dr. said I had a medial meniscal tear and would need arthroscopic surgery. When I came out of surgery, he said there was no tear, but that I did have arthritis and so he "shaved" it down (I have it on video). He also said exercise was good, but only low impact stuff--no running!
Since that time (December) I took up power walking on the treadmill (uphill at a pretty good pace). I've put about 10 lbs back on and have been very stiff. So this week and last I took up running again (only 3 days a week and 10 minutes less than last year--only 20 minutes) and the stiffness has been greatly reduced! Plus I feel a lot better than after the walks. Walking just doesn't seem to get my heart rate going good like a good run.
My question is: Is there evidence to suggest that running contributes to arthritis in the knees? I want some independant sources, outside my doctor to tell me. I like him, but since he mis-diagnosed my problem I feel like I need to get second opinions.
Answer Dear Doug, You do not say here if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis or if you have Osteoarthritis.... There is a BIG difference between the two....
People with Osteoarthritis have it do to loss of cartiledge between the joints and this is caused from years of over-working these joints such as job related, sports related, jogging etc..... People are told that to preserve the cartiledge that is left, they should refrain from doing what ever actually caused the loss of cartiledge.... Patients with Osteoarthritis NEVER listen to their doctors about this, including myself, but do what they have always done... Problem with this is that in time, there will be total loss of cartiledge and more pain and possible knee replacement surgery...
If you are looking for a SECOND opinion, I suggest that you consult an Orthopedic physician... They deal with this type of arthritis and other joint problems and can probably do more to help you than a GP of family doctor...
