Question:

Hi, I suffer with arthritis and have recently started running. I run on a mixture of concrete, grass and rough ground. I do manage well to begin with but after about 30 minutes I suffer with such pain in my hip that it then prevents me from continuing. I try but have to keep stopping. This then stops me from running again for about one week. Apart from being very painful it is really frustrating as I want to do this as I really enjoy it and its a cheap way of getting fit. I also run with my children who love it to. I am 40 and apart from joint and back problems I am fit and not overweight. I have not seen my doctor as I feel he will say give it up so please don’t say that!! but can you please help? Katherine

Answer:

Dear Katherine,

I would recommend that you ask your GP to refer you to see a physiotherapist – preferably one who specialises in sports injuries. They will be able to assess you to ascertain the cause of your symptoms as they may not be related to your arthritis. In the meantime I would advise you to discontinue running until you have been properly assessed.

Kind regards Angela Benjamin MSc MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist