My running career is over

EZ10Miler wrote:

You have to admit that is a really shitty option when you could spent $120 on shoes, $45 on shorts, $20 on a shirt $12 on socks and be good to go.

No, you are wrong in that it is a "shitty option". A "shitty option" would be to stop exercising because you can't run, get fat, have health problems and spend thousands on healthcare...and be miserable in the process. While I understand and empathize with the OP's loss of running, a "shitty option" would also be to not find other options. I'm assuming the OP has a job and makes money; living a healthy lifestyle is one of those "I'll work hard, save up and pay for it regardless of cost" items on my life list.

Also advice to the OP if you do consider cycling - get a professional fit done by your local bike shop whether you buy your bike there or not. Having the proper seat height and position on the bike will greatly reduce the chance of cycling causing additional stress on your knees.

I quit running at age 39 because of consistent pain that would not go away.

The first few months sucked.

Then I started realizing I wasn't in pain when I got up in the morning. I could walk down the stairs without my achilles tendons feeling like they would explode. I didn't feel 10 years older than my age anymore.

Now 41 and it was the right call. I walk 3-4 miles a day with my wife. That and watching diet has kept me at the same weight. Life goes on.

Blah, blah, blah wrote:

I quit running at age 39 because of consistent pain that would not go away.

The first few months sucked.

Then I started realizing I wasn't in pain when I got up in the morning. I could walk down the stairs without my achilles tendons feeling like they would explode. I didn't feel 10 years older than my age anymore.

Now 41 and it was the right call. I walk 3-4 miles a day with my wife. That and watching diet has kept me at the same weight. Life goes on.

I find it telling that all you former runners still lurk on letsrun. Yeah, you've moved on...

When something as important to you as running goes away, it's like a piece of you dies. You never get it back and you always long for it. That's not to say you can't have a happy and full life - you can if you choose to. Part of my soul still aches when I see a runner in the city park or read about the local road race. It'll always be that way.

Oh, that sucks. I returned to running after an extremely long break (over a decade), only to immediately injure myself in an unrelated activity. Going from the joy of rediscovering the sport to being unable to participate in it was tough.

I was only out for about 6-7 months, though. Once I was able to run again, I got up to a max of 45 mpw and did my first marathon. When I was in the depths of the injury (partially torn ACL, sprained MCL, partially torn meniscus, partially torn gastroc), it didn't seem like it would ever be possible.

I think you should attack this on two fronts. First: Don't necessarily concede that you will never run again. Medicine and rehab are capable of some amazing shit these days--there may be a treatment in the future that can work for you.

Second, and this is important: You do need to have a plan B. You know you won't be running any time soon. Come to terms with that, and find another athletic pursuit that brings you joy. I know running feels unique, but trust me, there are other pursuits out there that can give you the same kind of benefits (feeling good about yourself/hitting goals/etc).

So, keep your head up and stay optimistic about the eventual rehabilitation of your knee, but turn your short term attention elsewhere. Good luck.

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Has one of the 3 doctors mentioned Supartz knee injections? They have offered a lot of relief for a lot of people. Its natural hyaluronic acid, not like a corticosteroid. If often takes away the pain and will let you return to running. Develop a forefoot strike, and another suggestion, as someone recommended before, try Hokas.

In mourning wrote:

Point well taken on the career versus hobby thing. That said, this hobby meant A LOT to me. I am physically miserable not running - it's like my body aches.

The shoes mentioned - what the heck? It can't hurt to try - or can it?

Even walking is painful at this point. The elyptical machine hurts. Even the stationary bike presents some pain.

To the troll rater - I would give almost anything to be a troll right now. Unfortunately, I'm not. I honestly wish I was trolling.

Blah, blah, blah wrote:

That and watching diet has kept me at the same weight.

nooooooooooooooo.....

really?????? wrote:

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Has one of the 3 doctors mentioned Supartz knee injections? They have offered a lot of relief for a lot of people. Its natural hyaluronic acid, not like a corticosteroid. If often takes away the pain and will let you return to running. Develop a forefoot strike, and another suggestion, as someone recommended before, try Hokas.

Unless your injection is going to magically regrow articular cartilage, it's unlikey to help the OP beyond providing a temporary band-aid.

If I were the OP, I'd explore microfracture. There are no guarantees, but if you're willing to go through a long and tough rehab process, it can give you a CHANCE to return to running. In your place, I'd think a chance, no matter how slim, would be exciting. Find the best knee doctor in your town (one who has successfully treated athletes) and ask about it. Find out what doctor works with the local pro or college teams. As the above youtube video so humorously points out, there are lots of doctors who think the answer to every problem is to stop running.

agip wrote:

Blah, blah, blah wrote:

That and watching diet has kept me at the same weight.

nooooooooooooooo.....

Actually, I weigh a few pounds LESS than when I quit running. I tended to overeat and think the calories were being burned off. The last couple years, I had so many injuries and problems my mileage was much lower, but I was eating as if I were running 70mpw..

Thanks for the suggestions. I've had doctors mention microfracture, but none of them thought I could get back to running even with it. Maybe I'll keep looking around for a doctor that thinks something can help. If I could return to running - any running at all - even gallowalking 3 miles a few times a week, I'd take it.

For what it is worth, I had a diagnosis of arthritis at the age of 45. I was told that I may as well hammer away for the next few months as I wouldn't be able to run afterwards.

Eventually, I found a surgeon who was able to do arthroscopic surgery on it, and having had the surgery in September, I was able to make the indoor Masters Nationals in March.

Since then I've placed in three outdoor Nationals, the most recent at 55, and I haven't had any knee problems since.

The hyalorunic acid solution works very well for thoroughbred racehorses (trade name Adequan). We did the same for a old Jack Russell terrier we had and the difference when he had his injection was tremendous.

Anyway, I wouldn't give up just yet. Good luck with finding a solution.

Hmmm, not sure why you've gotten so many nasty replies when all you are looking for is a little sympathy and advice. Anyway, I feel your pain, literally. Ironically, I was a swimmer in high school and didn't even take up running until my 40's and I was quickly hooked. However, a hereditary condition which causes iron overload has caused me terrible osteoarthritis, including my knees so running is pretty painful and like you, I've really been mourning the loss of an activity that gave me a great deal of pleasure. I've been getting into other activities such as masters swim which is actually pretty fun although not the same. I suggest you give your knees a rest, while staying in shape with swimming, all the while doing knee strenthening exercises recommended by a PT. When you feel stronger and pain free, talk to a couple other doctors to get the entire picture. And allow yourself to grieve a little bit then move on to plan B.

Nothing but love and sympathy from me, good luck in your future endeavors and much love.

People can be non-runners and still be on Letsrun. I don't run but I'm a fan of the sport so that's why I'm on here. Great run by Rupp, btw.

The HA injections can be more than a temporary band-aid. If he isn't bad enough to need a replacement, they are a viable option to take pain away and return to normal activity. Yes, they may be needed off and on but it is worth a shot.

biking is expensive, but you atleast switch your shoes four times a year id bet, likely more. at 120 a pair you are coming in at 480. three years of running is about the price of a pretty decent road bike. of course the bike requires maintenance, but still it will likely last 3 years if properly cared for.

At least you're not paralyzed or something even more awful. Not being able to run has got to suck, but you can still bike, swim, walk etc.

EZ10Miler: I did a search of this site and saw that you had microfracture. How did that go? I see you're back looking at the end of your running. Did the microfracture help at all? Did it give you any years of running?

I'm so desperate that I'm willing to try it.

In mourning wrote:

[quote]EZ10Miler wrote:

EZ10Miler: I did a search of this site and saw that you had microfracture. How did that go? I see you're back looking at the end of your running. Did the microfracture help at all? Did it give you any years of running?

I'm so desperate that I'm willing to try it.

I did have micorfracture about 10 yrs ago. Since then Ive run a lot of miles and run a number of marathons, so I'd say it was a big success.

I went in for plica, but they found a big chunk of cartilage missing, so I came out of surgery with a much more serious recovery than I expected going in (3 wks to 6 mo.) The recovery time for the procedure is a long one, lots of swelling, a LONG time on crutches.

I was lucky in that the area I needed the microfracture was a bit off too the side, so that part of the knee didnt have direct contact.

The knee issue Im having now is with my non-microfractured knee.

See different docs and nutritionists. Try "drastic" things-- read the China Study/watch Forks Over Knives. Giving up animal products and eating a whole-foods plant-based diet may help reverse your osteoarthritis.