Is Running with Arthritic Knees Safe?

Is it safe to run with knee arthritis? Well, running with arthritic knees is still possible. But you have to take careful precautions. And you should follow these tips to stay active without causing joint damage.

Running with Arthritic Knees: Start Slow

When you have knee osteoarthritis, joint pain could be a common concern. However, when you start running, you’ll have to listen to your body and decide if the discomfort you may feel is mild and associated with exercise, or if it’s sharp, suggesting you’ve suffered an injury or are causing joint damage.

Also, in order to prevent damage, you should slowly ease your way into a new running workout. Begin by moving at a mild pace, and don’t try to go too far. Then, as you get used to running with arthritis, you should be able to run farther and faster. And, in the process, you may even experience some knee pain relief. (More on that below.)

Choose Your Shoes Wisely

Running with arthritis demands appropriate, supportive foot wear. Choose pairs with plenty of cushioning to reduce the impact on your knees. Get a professional, in-store fitting. And make sure to mention your knee osteoarthritis when asking for help selecting your running shoes.

Consider Cross-Training, Too

If you’re running with arthritic knees, that should not be your only form of exercise: cross training will also be important for your health. Be sure to incorporate weight bearing exercises to take pressure off your knee joints by strengthening the muscles that support them. And try to engage in other, low-impact, forms of exercise like cycling or swimming, to help your joints and muscles recover in between higher-intensity training sessions.

Cycling is also an excellent exercise choice because the pedaling motion can lubricate the joints, helping reduce pain and improve your range of motion. But swimming is also a great option, since working out in the water will take pressure off your joints entirely.

Knee Pain Relief in Dallas and Houston

Is running with arthritic knees becoming too difficult due to joint pain? Do you want to find relief without surgery? At the Texas Knee Institute, we offer genicular artery embolization (GAE), a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve arthritis pain while delaying or avoiding knee replacement surgery.  

But what is GAE, exactly? This procedure reduces knee pain caused by osteoarthritis because it targets inflammation in your synovium (joint lining). It is a procedure that doesn’t require general anesthesia or an overnight hospital stay, and comes with an easier recovery period when compared to surgery. Want to see if you’re a GAE candidate? Request a consultation [/ga-appt-link] with our specialists in Texas, and we’ll review your treatment options when you come into the office.