Weak ligaments/hypermobility

[Rhiannon]

hi,

Is there anyone out there with experience of fell running with hypermobility or weak ligaments? A sports therapist has just spotted that I've got this. It explains why I've now got a real cartilage problem which will require surgery (chunk missing, inflamed bone) as the ligaments haven't been strong enough to give the knee enough stability.

Looks like fell running is about the worst thing you can do with this problem and the recommendations are to go cycling and swimming instead.

Anyone got any experience to share?
Many thanks,

Rhiannon

[anyoldiron]

I was diagnosed with hypermobility/flexibility when I was 15. I often go over on my ankles but they seem to spring right back into place but my left knee can ache a lot if I've been leaning too far back on downhills. As with all things, moderation is key and naturally strengthening the affected areas with different exercises.

[idler]

I have Type III Ehlers-Danlos (apparently). I've had joint problems a lot less since running more. I'm not actually that flexible, about average really, but supposedly have loose joint capsules susceptible to inflammation. I think it's important to keep the muscles strong. That said I've sprained my ankle more often than I'd prefer. Good luck.

[Mike T]

I have Type III Ehlers-Danlos (apparently). I've had joint problems a lot less since running more. I'm not actually that flexible, about average really, but supposedly have loose joint capsules susceptible to inflammation. I think it's important to keep the muscles strong. That said I've sprained my ankle more often than I'd prefer. Good luck.

Do you do any stretching, or have you been advised not to?

[Rhiannon]

Hmm, interesting- thanks folks, for your replies.

It's good to know that running seems to be a positive thing to do- it was all a bit of a surprise to hear yesterday.

One thing the sports therapist said was that stretching's got to be done right otherwise all you are doing is yanking the joints apart by the weak ligaments, leaving the muscles where they are. Lots of bent legs rather than straight for things like hamstrings. Not sure what to do about stretching the quads though.

It explains why I've always found it difficult not to strain things when stretching.

Thanks again.

[idler]

Do you do any stretching, or have you been advised not to?

I never had any clear advice on this, so do it half-heartedly ...which is probably what I'd do anyway! To be frank, I rarely take the anti-inflammatories now and haven't had a bad flare up for a long time now, so I don't think about it much. Two swollen knuckle joints as I type, which haven't got better or worse in months. Nothing like the pain-filled sleepless nights, travelling around different joints, of a few years ago.

Have you got any thoughts on stretching Mike?

[Mike T]

I never had any clear advice on this, so do it half-heartedly ...which is probably what I'd do anyway! To be frank, I rarely take the anti-inflammatories now and haven't had a bad flare up for a long time now, so I don't think about it much. Two swollen knuckle joints as I type, which haven't got better or worse in months. Nothing like the pain-filled sleepless nights, travelling around different joints, of a few years ago.

Have you got any thoughts on stretching Mike?

I share Rhiannon's concern that stretching would just damage joint structures rather than have any beneficial effect on muscle. This is from first principles, rather than from any specific knowledge about ED III. If it was me I would not stretch unless injured and then only if advised by a physiotherapist or a sports medicine specialist. It is my understanding that it is weak muscles that tear, not intrinsically tight muscles, and that stretching is to prevent shortening of an injured muscle; unless you are a hurdler or gymnast, it is useless at preventing injury.

[mr brightside]

hi,

Is there anyone out there with experience of fell running with hypermobility or weak ligaments? A sports therapist has just spotted that I've got this. It explains why I've now got a real cartilage problem which will require surgery (chunk missing, inflamed bone) as the ligaments haven't been strong enough to give the knee enough stability.

Looks like fell running is about the worst thing you can do with this problem and the recommendations are to go cycling and swimming instead.

Anyone got any experience to share?
Many thanks,

Rhiannon

Hi Rhiannon...Silson? This information may be of little use to you but i've found that moving to running really short races like those in the Bofra calendar have helped me deal with my ITBS. It's unbelievably stubborn and i'd be nowhere if it weren't for the ultra-short events of the Bofra championships, the courses rarely play to my strengths but at least i'm still just about in the game. Best wishes.

[Rhiannon]

Thanks Mr B. - good idea. Short, sharp fell races can work for some people, you're right. The Kendal Winter League races this winter it is, then

No, not Silson...right town, but different Rhiannon..

[idler]

Ironically I had a flare up this weekend. Typing on this forum must be the equivalent of a cyclist saying out loud they haven't had a puncture. I've found swimming to be almost a miracle cure in the past - gently stretching things out and getting the mobility back, whilst being supported by the water. Only other bit of half advice is to watch out overdoing it when you're already tired, suffering lack of sleep, etc. That can sometimes be the trigger for things getting out of balance.