Mild arthritis in Talonavicular joint

Bum Ankle wrote:

An MRI has confirmed the presence of mild arthritis in my talonavicular joint (right ankle). I can continue running but I must significantly limit my mileage and intensity to reduce inflammation. I'm having some orthotics fitted shortly and I hope they prove helpful. Is anyone else dealing with this condition ? If I change my gait such that I land on my heel rather than my mid-foot, the pain is diminished accordingly... also avoiding steep hills seems to help. My gut feeling tells me that my running days are limited. By the way, I'm 41 and I've been running for 7 years (weekly mileage 40, 50/50 trails and road). Thanks

Many runners who reach their 40's and early 50's will show 'mild arthritis' (on MRI or xrays or other), but that does not mean they have to stop running.

It is all a matter of control, and finding the best shoes and orthotics to control the problem.

Quite a few successful runners have had arthritis diagnosed in different parts of their bodies and continue to run.

I would recommend you do cross training (on the days you do not run) including swimming, biking and stair master and rowing machine. You will stay at the same fitness level if you do those, gain extra strength, take the weight off your joint, and maintain fitness and longevity over a longer period of time.

Don't worry, you can still run, but just diversify more than before.

Take glucosamine and do everything you can possibly do to strengthen your feet and lower legs. Think balance, strength and form rather than crutches. The above formula has worked wonders for my 42 year old ankles and feet.

Thanks for the input... I've just started on the glucosamine (1500 mg/day) and I'll work on some lower leg/foot strengthening exercises. I'm hoping the orthotics will help too. Anyone else with this problem ?

IMHO orthotics are crutches. Use them only if absolutely necessary and then phase them out. Again, this only my opinion and based only on personal experience. Good luck!

I have just been diagnosed with exactly the same condition, but in both ankles. I had a bone scan done as I wAs getting pain during and after my runs. I am 39 and have been running seriously for about 4 years. My mileage is pretty low - 40miles a week my absolute max. Normal mileage would be anything from 8 - 20 miles a week. I'm pretty shocked at my diagnosis, and upset.

I love running and don't want to have to stop. My doctor said I didn't need to stop, I just need to strengthen the muscles to support my joints. He recommended twice a week at the gym - leg press, squats, hamstring curls and calf raises - 15 reps, 3 sets.

Let me know if you have any other ideas or advice. I'm desperate to be able to carry on running.