Chi Discussion Forum

I was doing so well training for a marathon.  up to 11 km now, no pain relaxed in my zone.  Then I had a severe knee pain that made me stop completely for about a month now.  I could barely walk.  I have an OA knee and the cartilage in my left knee gave out. so now I am ‘bone-on-bone’.  No wonder my knee was inflamed and hurting so badly.  The swelling has gone down now, but how do I resume running.  The Doc. says I’m done running but ...I don’t want to be done running.  Does anyone know of runners dealing with Osteoarthritis of the knee?  At this stage, I have found a brace which seems to help and I will be starting to walk longer distances to test my knee.  I am 59 years old and in good physical shape, not overweight and rather active.  I am a biker at heart but have learned to enjoy running to the point of wanting it more and more.  A marathon was in my plans,.I was planning a 5K and then 10K then as I improved a 1/2 with the ultimate goal of a first marathon.  All of it the Chi way all the way!
If anyone has advices or has experienced what I am going through please let me know how to proceed with this hurdle.
thanks
Karl

Hi Karl -

I feel your pain - literally! I have an OA knee too that was detected after I slipped, and slammed my knee into a bench, damaging the meniscus. If you have bone-on-bone action going on, I would guess your marathon days might not happen. But, you still may be able to run shorter distances, listening to your knee and practicing very good form. Have you looked into getting an injection like Synvisc (for example)? That would provide some cushioning and allow you to continue to be active. Some insurance companies cover the cost more than others (I was lucky as mine covered it completely).

In any case, you need to listen to your knee, keep up (or start) a good core strengthening regimen, and let your knee tell you how far you can go, if at all. You also might consider running on trails, if they are available to you. The surface is not only softer, but also varied enough that different muscles get used compared to running on cement. That will help keep the damage and pain at bay. And remember not to step past your knee, and land behind your hips!

Keep us posted on how you are doing!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA

Thank You so much for the quick reply!

Yes I admit I will have to focus on the form and I will have to let my knee guide me with my running.  I’ll contact my doctor about these injections and hope the insurance will cover some of the cost.  As I am becoming a couch potatoe I have gained 15 lbs…NOT good for me.  I will go back to the gym and perhaps get advice from an instructor to get a workout plan to strengthen my knee and surrounding muscles; that can only help.  I will try to run outside.  It’s cold up here on North East Alberta but I’ ll give it a try.  My bike will also be set up on a trainer, I feel good about not having the pain when I cycle.
I will let you know what happens in a while.  Meanwhile thanks again for your advice and encouragement.
Now to get back on top of things here! 
I have work to do to get back in shape.

Karl

Hi Karl

I didn’t realize you were so far north! If you do run outside, bundle up well - your knee will love you for it! There are instructors in Canada (as I’m sure you are aware) and several of them travel. You might want to check them out and see if any are coming to your area, as I think it would be great for someone to watch your form.

Alternatively, you can get a video analysis done. One of our instructors, David Stretanski, offers that here - http://echifitness.com/videoanalysis.html .

What helps with my knee issue and keeps it happy is to not step past my knee, and keep landing as close to under my hips as I can. I mentioned that before but I can’t emphasize it enough, especially if you have a compromised knee!

Let me know how it goes and stay warm!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA

Thanks Laura
yes it’s -19C here now. I will bundle up tomorrow and go out for a long fast walk and see what my knee tells me.  I am looking forward to moving again, I can’t stay in anymore!!!
I will let you know how things are improving in a few weeks.
Bye Karl