What do you think on this subject? Me, male, 78 years old, “always” been a runner/hiker. I like to run. Now, I can only run a maximum of about 45 minutes, 2 - 3 miles a day, at about a 14 minute pace, hike - even less especially over uneven terrain, 2-3 pain level. Left knee having the hardest time. Right knee, “worn out”, but not that much of a problem. More than that time/distance/terrain - pain level becomes a 7 or more - working up to a 9-10. I’ve done the research. Dr. say, keep doing what you’re doing until you can’t.
Question - 1. Keep doing what I’m doing, enjoy what I can. Live with the limitations and different pain levels.
2. Get a knee or knees replacement. Then I would have to cut way back or practically stop running. I should be able to hike/walk more with less pain.
3. Years ago I was hoping that science would find an alternative to knee replacement. Any real
advancements in this area?
What say you?
I would go to another dr
Keep doing what you are doing is not very helpful in my opinion
What exactly did the dr say was wrong with each knee
Why are you asking about knee replacement?
Is that what the dr told you was needed?
Family general Dr. said, looking into knee replacement would be an option for the worn out cartilage in the knee but if it’s working don’t necessarily just jump into knee replacement until it is really necessary.
My dad started running in his 50s until knee pain stopped him in his mid 60s, then he walked for recreation/fitness after that. He got both knees replaced in his mid to late 70s (not at the same time) and he never got back to the fitness level he had before he got the knee replacements. I assume you are more fit than he was, but think about the recovery time when considering a knee replacement. If you decide to get one I would recommend trying to get as fit as possible before you get the replacement. How much exercise other than running and walking are you doing now?
Are you in pain when you’re not running/hiking?
If you are, then I think the replacement makes more sense. That’s a very non-expert opinion, btw.
it’s nice that you’re asking us, but you’re in a very rare group. it’s we who’re awaiting your advice for the rest of us. who in your age bracket (or above) is here? there’s peggy mcdowell-cramer, who’s your senior by 2 or 3 years, owns some world titles in your AG, and to my recollection finished (and won) a 70.3 as recently as 2019. i know she did race at least one full during her stint in the 75-79.
i just aged up this year to 65-69 so i’m a young punk, but this young punk eagerly awaits the advice of folks like you. i mean, i guess i think you won the battle, if you’re nearing the end of the running line. but afaik dr. wayne fong is still at it, won his AG at ITU worlds in 2019, and is about ready to age up into 90-94 (maybe he ages up this year). assuming the good doctor still breathes, i assume he still runs, knowing him.
71 here and 41 years in triathlon so far. I tend to agree with some of the posters here as to look for another doctor. The statement that a knee is “worn out” is tantamount to my Grandfather dying of “old age”. That’s not a valid diagnosis. I’ve had friends run after knee replacements, but if it’s “only” cartilage, that’s a very easy fix and will get you back on the horse quickly. Both of mine were done 20? years ago and now completely functional, fine and training for Ironman. I participated in a study one year in Kona, which has been replicated since, that ended up finding those of us who ran had healthier knees than sedentary folks. During my scopes, I just did a spinal so talked with the doc while surgery was going on and he showed me no unusual wear, no arthritis, no damage other than cartilage which I did in mountain bike crash and weightlifting. Yes, this is just n=1, and everyone is different, but I’d search to the end of the world to find the guy who gave me hope I could continue my life as I want to. Good luck and keep moving forward…
48yo 17 days post mako total knee replacement. I had severe tricompartmental degeneration. By surgery I really could barely walk without some sort of limp. The first 11 days were brutal. I thought I had a high pain tolerance but not so much. Swelling significantly affects ROM making PT very painful. PT starts day 1. 16 days out I was able to e-MTN bike with full boost 15 minutes. walk treadmill 5 min @2mph. I have no expectation of training/ run for a 1/2 marathon again, so will enjoy speedwalk and race the swim/ bike. I write all of this only to let you know I underestimated how the first month would be and I recognize I am. in a tiny subset of athlete. I enjoyed six 70.3 2021. good luck!
Are you in pain when you’re not running/hiking?
If you are, then I think the replacement makes more sense. That’s a very non-expert opinion, btw.
If I am digging in the garden or watching TV (lol), then pain level is 0+. I try to swim or bike or run every day . I’m at day 75+ or something in the Slowtwitch 100/100 and plan to do the SDIT sprint triathlon June. I know that with age, things change so a person has to adapt and cut back. I wish I could hike like I used to. Some people say, “ well, maybe you should try knee replacementâ€. I’m a little reluctant to have someone mess with my knees. In the overall picture, is it better to take the chance for some improvement in some regards , but possible loose in other regards.
Thanks for all of your input.
Do you do any weight training? I’m only 61, but have a history of knee trouble. I’ve been prescribed meds over the years, and had a doctor tell me I’d be in a walker by 50 if I didn’t knock off the running. Today I’m off all meds, almost pain free, and training for IMTulsa and hoping to BQ in my 46th marathon in the Fall. A far cry from almost giving up several years ago.
For me, it all started changing when I got into the gym. When I started lifting, I couldn’t believe how pathetically weak I was, despite all the endurance activity. I also couldn’t believe how fast I started getting stronger, how strong I’ve been able to get… and most importantly, how strengthening my leg muscles, has given my knees a new lease on life.
Do you do any weight training? I’m only 61, but have a history of knee trouble. I’ve been prescribed meds over the years, and had a doctor tell me I’d be in a walker by 50 if I didn’t knock off the running. Today I’m off all meds, almost pain free, and training for IMTulsa and hoping to BQ in my 46th marathon in the Fall. A far cry from almost giving up several years ago.
For me, it all started changing when I got into the gym. When I started lifting, I couldn’t believe how pathetically weak I was, despite all the endurance activity. I also couldn’t believe how fast I started getting stronger, how strong I’ve been able to get… and most importantly, how strengthening my leg muscles, has given my knees a new lease on life.
This is a great comeback story! Would you be willing to share some details about your leg strength training program? How many days a week? and how do you coordinate it with your swim/bike/run?
Thanks!
Knee replacement doesn’t always mean brand new or pain free legs so it’s worth checking conservative ideas too in the meantime, at least to keep fit while deciding
Chondritin - some people feel like it lubes thier joints
Hoka one shoes there are models that take the jarring out of the stride
Running on grass or trails?
sports physio assessment? A good one can check if the pain happens to be coming from a ligament, meniscus (knee joint cushion), or muscle weakness imbalance, just in case there is a exercise or minor surgery (meniscectomy arthroscopy) as a few examples
Is alternating running with (mountain) biking, eliptigo, power walking or swimming an option to see if the pain settles? If it’s bone surfaces then there might be inflammation and a little more break between runs could be enough to take the sting out?
I wouldn’t recommend painkillers while running because pain can guide you when to take it to easy
It’s worth checking what the waiting time is in a knee replacement because in some scenarios it’s more than a year so waiting to make the decision last minute when it’s urgent isn’t always ideal
Good luck
What do you think on this subject? Me, male, 78 years old, “always” been a runner/hiker. I like to run. Now, I can only run a maximum of about 45 minutes, 2 - 3 miles a day, at about a 14 minute pace, hike - even less especially over uneven terrain, 2-3 pain level. Left knee having the hardest time. Right knee, “worn out”, but not that much of a problem. More than that time/distance/terrain - pain level becomes a 7 or more - working up to a 9-10. I’ve done the research. Dr. say, keep doing what you’re doing until you can’t.
Question - 1. Keep doing what I’m doing, enjoy what I can. Live with the limitations and different pain levels.
2. Get a knee or knees replacement. Then I would have to cut way back or practically stop running. I should be able to hike/walk more with less pain.
3. Years ago I was hoping that science would find an alternative to knee replacement. Any real
advancements in this area?
What say you?I am impressed with your running longevity. I am 63 and also hope to keep running as long as I can. In your situation I would want to know exactly what condition my knees are in and specifically what is showing wear and causing pain. I would see a doctor that works with people that desire to run into their 80’s and is supportive of that desire. My request would be to do all of the tests and scans necessary to accomplish this. Upon diagnosis and answers to my questions I would ask for a recommendation to a PT that works with senior athletes. I would then incorporate that rehab routine into my weekly schedule, even after PT appts were no longer necessary. My desire would be to avoid invasive knee procedures however minor they may be for as long as possible. I hope this helps. Good luck!
+1 on a regular weight training routine reducing joint pain, and of course keeping supporting muscles and ligaments resilient.
Also highly recommend supplements: a/ a good joint supplement containing glucosmine, chondroitin, MSM, etc.; b/ Fish oil capsules, plus lots of food sourced EFAs. When first starting these supplements it takes a few weeks to feel the benefits, then you’ll never want to stop using them.
Doing most running on trails instead of pavement helps greatly as well.
“For me, it all started changing when I got into the gym.”
I’m 62 - could you please outline your program for me. Thank you.
Google knees over toes guy.
Do you do any weight training? I’m only 61, but have a history of knee trouble. I’ve been prescribed meds over the years, and had a doctor tell me I’d be in a walker by 50 if I didn’t knock off the running. Today I’m off all meds, almost pain free, and training for IMTulsa and hoping to BQ in my 46th marathon in the Fall. A far cry from almost giving up several years ago.
For me, it all started changing when I got into the gym. When I started lifting, I couldn’t believe how pathetically weak I was, despite all the endurance activity. I also couldn’t believe how fast I started getting stronger, how strong I’ve been able to get… and most importantly, how strengthening my leg muscles, has given my knees a new lease on life.
This is a great comeback story! Would you be willing to share some details about your leg strength training program? How many days a week? and how do you coordinate it with your swim/bike/run?
Thanks!
My leg weight program is simple, utilizing squat, leg extension, and curls. I lift and swim on M/W/F, simply because I’m at the gym, and it’s convenient. This leaves the other days for my key runs and bikes. I still run and ride some junk miles on gym days.
On Mondays I go as heavy as I can, for one to three rep max’s. I vary what equipment I use for squat. Either smith rack, sled, or my favorite, the hammer v-squat. Leg curls and extensions are pretty self explanatory, and again I go as heavy as I can for 1-3 reps on Mondays. I use either the pin weight machines, or the hammer plate machines. On Wednesday and Friday I go much lighter, in the 10-50 reps range per set. Out of a 90 minute weight workout, I spend 30 minutes on legs, 30 minutes core, and 30 minutes upper body. My exact sets and reps vary by how I feel every workout, and it’s been an evolving experiment of one. I try to do enough to be slightly tight and sore the next morning, but not enough to mess up my runs and rides. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes not…
…but I’m at a point in life where longevity is more important than performance, and I’m convinced that weight training is the key.
hey amigo, ran with your daughter today. was going to take a picture of us together, but she isnt in the ST 100/100 this year! there is still ti me to convince her and auto upload her strava activities. Sorry for your knee troubles, if anything they should also appear on the bike when doing a climb standing? Did you talk to Gino at function smart?
Do you do any weight training? I’m only 61, but have a history of knee trouble. I’ve been prescribed meds over the years, and had a doctor tell me I’d be in a walker by 50 if I didn’t knock off the running. Today I’m off all meds, almost pain free, and training for IMTulsa and hoping to BQ in my 46th marathon in the Fall. A far cry from almost giving up several years ago.
For me, it all started changing when I got into the gym. When I started lifting, I couldn’t believe how pathetically weak I was, despite all the endurance activity. I also couldn’t believe how fast I started getting stronger, how strong I’ve been able to get… and most importantly, how strengthening my leg muscles, has given my knees a new lease on life.
This is a great comeback story! Would you be willing to share some details about your leg strength training program? How many days a week? and how do you coordinate it with your swim/bike/run?
Thanks!
My leg weight program is simple, utilizing squat, leg extension, and curls. I lift and swim on M/W/F, simply because I’m at the gym, and it’s convenient. This leaves the other days for my key runs and bikes. I still run and ride some junk miles on gym days.
On Mondays I go as heavy as I can, for one to three rep max’s. I vary what equipment I use for squat. Either smith rack, sled, or my favorite, the hammer v-squat. Leg curls and extensions are pretty self explanatory, and again I go as heavy as I can for 1-3 reps on Mondays. I use either the pin weight machines, or the hammer plate machines. On Wednesday and Friday I go much lighter, in the 10-50 reps range per set. Out of a 90 minute weight workout, I spend 30 minutes on legs, 30 minutes core, and 30 minutes upper body. My exact sets and reps vary by how I feel every workout, and it’s been an evolving experiment of one. I try to do enough to be slightly tight and sore the next morning, but not enough to mess up my runs and rides. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes not…
…but I’m at a point in life where longevity is more important than performance, and I’m convinced that weight training is the key.
Fantastic! Thanks for these details. Very helpful.
Do you do any weight training? I’m only 61, but have a history of knee trouble. I’ve been prescribed meds over the years, and had a doctor tell me I’d be in a walker by 50 if I didn’t knock off the running. Today I’m off all meds, almost pain free, and training for IMTulsa and hoping to BQ in my 46th marathon in the Fall. A far cry from almost giving up several years ago.
For me, it all started changing when I got into the gym. When I started lifting, I couldn’t believe how pathetically weak I was, despite all the endurance activity. I also couldn’t believe how fast I started getting stronger, how strong I’ve been able to get… and most importantly, how strengthening my leg muscles, has given my knees a new lease on life.
This is a great comeback story! Would you be willing to share some details about your leg strength training program? How many days a week? and how do you coordinate it with your swim/bike/run?
Thanks!
My leg weight program is simple, utilizing squat, leg extension, and curls. I lift and swim on M/W/F, simply because I’m at the gym, and it’s convenient. This leaves the other days for my key runs and bikes. I still run and ride some junk miles on gym days.
On Mondays I go as heavy as I can, for one to three rep max’s. I vary what equipment I use for squat. Either smith rack, sled, or my favorite, the hammer v-squat. Leg curls and extensions are pretty self explanatory, and again I go as heavy as I can for 1-3 reps on Mondays. I use either the pin weight machines, or the hammer plate machines. On Wednesday and Friday I go much lighter, in the 10-50 reps range per set. Out of a 90 minute weight workout, I spend 30 minutes on legs, 30 minutes core, and 30 minutes upper body. My exact sets and reps vary by how I feel every workout, and it’s been an evolving experiment of one. I try to do enough to be slightly tight and sore the next morning, but not enough to mess up my runs and rides. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes not…
…but I’m at a point in life where longevity is more important than performance, and I’m convinced that weight training is the key.
Fantastic! Thanks for these details. Very helpful.
Careful. Leg extensions were the likely cause of my first knee scope. I’d never do them again, especially heavy and have had a large number of PT folks say to not do them.