I'm a distance runner, specifically a marathoner, and belong to or lead a few online running communities. Today, someone asked whether running is good for RA, as a friend of his has this condition.
Of course, we always recommend that a patient confer with his/her doctor, first. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how many of us who responded to the question have been living - and running distances - with RA for years. One person even responded that one of the links I posted was to her running buddy's blog, both of them living with RA and running with a third buddy who is also an RA patient. We all have a common reason for running: it keeps our joints healthy and our immune systems in check.
Other RA runner responses were inspirational, from a story about one patient's (female) doctor who runs a half marathon (13.1 miles) in well under 2 hours, to a veteran marathoner in his 60's who suffered a setback three years ago when he was diagnosed with RA and has been doing half marathons, instead. Tina Wesson, winner of "Survivor 2," also has RA and is a marathoner and triathlete.
The American College of Rheumatology says a patient must meet at least 4 of the following 7 criteria for RA:
- morning stiffness (check)
- arthritis of 3 or more joint areas (check)
- arthritis of the hand joints (check)
- symmetric arthritis
- rheumatoid nodules
- serum rheumatoid factor (check)
- radiographic changes
Plus, I have systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease and positive environment for RA.
Now, not all RA patients should go out and train for such a grueling event as a marathon. It's hard on the body. It's hard on the mind. Most people don't like to drive 26 miles. What we who do have in common is our resolve to not give in to an otherwise debilitating condition that can leave one mangled for life.
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Alysia, what a wonderful post.
And while not everyone should head out to train for a marathon, I bet you've inspired a few people to get out and at least start with short distances to see what they can do. Just a long walk with occasional short bouts of jogging can do wonders for the body and the spirit. (Not to mention how great runners' calves look!)
September 4, 2009 - 8:14amThis Comment
Oh, yeh - the calves! I may be pushing 60, but it's nice to get a compliment from someone at work that my legs look better than most 20-somethings in the building, lol!
September 4, 2009 - 5:02pmI already turned 60, have been running for 40 years, and have the mighty calves to show for it:) I can't imagine aging without being active---or what I'd look like now if I hadn't been...
August 23, 2011 - 12:15pmI am 38 years old and was diagnosed with RA when I was 28. Up to that point I was very active and try to be still now. I have a 8 yr old son that keeps me active. I have been walking for awhile now, but would really like to start jogging, I jogged in high school, but when I do jog my feet hurt so bad that I quit after a little bit of jogging. I have the RA in my feet, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. I have tried jogging later in the day to avoid the morning stiffness and pain. Does anyone else have this type of pain? It is so severe that after jogging just a short way I can barely walk. Does this mean I will have to give up on the thought of running a 5K?
March 31, 2010 - 5:41pmI'm sorry your RA is so painful. Have you consulted your Podiatrist? You may need more cushioning in your shoes.
I personally take an OTC supplement for joint health, and made with athletes in mind. I had been taking glucosamine chondroitin supplements with some success, until my trainer told me about the supplement. But, please do check with your Rheumatologist before taking any supplements; perhaps have him/her check out the product to see if it would be alright for you to try.
You might try walk/run intervals. For example, walk 3 minutes, run 1.
You might also need some strength.
(Comment edited to remove product listing per EmpowHER solicitation policy.)
March 31, 2010 - 8:19pmThanks for the info..I will definately try (a supplement) , after speaking with my Rheumatologist. I have never seen a podiatrist. I take methotrexate 20mg weekly and Orencia along with Mobic. I take pain pills occassionally but being a single mom I need to be there when my son needs me, so do not like to take them. I am in severe pain daily.
March 31, 2010 - 8:31pmIt sounds like your RA may not be under great control and you may need some med adjusting.
Do you have orthotics in your shoes? That makes a huge difference in walking pain, especially if your feet are starting to deform. If you do not have them, ask your rheumy to write an order for some. You will be amazed at the difference even just walking around the house.
Good luck.
July 15, 2010 - 6:29amI have been a middle distance runner since 9th grade and am now 44 years old, I came down with RA right around my 39th birthday. I know, right? great birthday present!
July 14, 2010 - 8:35pmAt first there was no way running was going to happen as I had to have a cane to even walk for a while. But once things settled down I would try again, and again, and again, get depressed, feel better, and try again. Sometimes I would just start feeling better and then a flare would kick in and take me down for a month or more. As all this was happening I was slowly putting on a little more weight each year. (pre RA weight 155 lbs, current weight earlier this year 178 lbs., I'm a man so this weight is still considered okay but not for me to feel my best) I decided this spring I had to take advantage of any good periods or risk giving in to the disease altogether. As of right now I have be running for 2 months, and have gotten my distance up to 5 miles about 4-5 days a week. My weight has gone from 178 to it's current weight of 165, but, I'm not going to sugar coat this, I hurt every day! I'm much stronger now and I have not had a bad flare since before I started running again and I plan to take advantage of every minute of it. You see, I think RA comes and goes in stages and you have to "really" take advantage of the good periods as they will make the bad days much easier. My goal is to get to 160 lbs or lower, run some 5k road races, maybe a 10k and if god is willing a half marathon would be a dream to run again. ( I will probably break down in tears if this were to happen.)
Take advantage when you can and grab back some of the years RA takes from you, it might piss it off and it'll kick back but don't give up and keep trying!
I know this is a womens post to women but I find so few things about running and RA, I enjoyed reading the posts and felt compelled to share. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this! The timing is perfect for me as well.
I have RA, I'm 46 and have had it over 25 years. I had to stop working and go on disability a couple of years ago. It's pretty depressing after working since I was 14. But I'm getting through it. I just wanted to give a little background.
Two weeks ago I started the C25K program. I love it. I have never run in my life, and I ran for 9 minutes three times this week. If you are not familiar with the program, they have a website and an iPhone app which is what I use. They train you to go from the couch to a 5k by running and walking intervals. So if you are like me and have no idea how to start running, this program is awesome.
Like you, I hurt every day. But the running does not hurt much more than my normal daily pain, at least not yet. I'm sure an injury or flare will change that, so I'm being very careful. The first day I actually made it through the 31 minutes of walking and running, I cried like a baby. Just to be able to run again feels amazing.
For those of you who need help starting so you know how far and how often to try running to avoid injury, check out C25K: http://www.c25k.com/. It's no exaggeration to say it has changed my life.
July 15, 2010 - 6:25amCary - This is fantastic information. I would love to see a "Share" about this so that more people can hear about the C25K program and benefit from it.
July 15, 2010 - 5:14pmPat