Hello everyone,this is my 1st thread on her.
I was a moderate runner 3yrs ago,(half marathons)then I had a severe RTA,smashing my left leg in 26 places.The effect was that I had severe scar tissue formed in my knee joint and couldnt bend it.
After x3 ops I can now bend it to 90degrees and have made my 1st attempts at running again-2mile with short stop.
Has any one else overcome any thing like this or know anyone?Has it been possible to get back to any distance with running and does any particular brand of shoes help with softening the impact on the injured leg?
I would be grateful of any support in my attempt to restart running.

Hi Alan

Welcome to RF.

What an awful accident.

You really put me in mind of my Dad he too was a runner back in the 80's and like you suffered an RTA on a motorbike, which left his ankle broken in 3 places and the movement he now has is limited. He has attempted running again in normal running shoes but his ankle can flare up and this then stops him from running for days on end.

It's not ideal but he runs in kangoo boots, he can't get back to the pace he once was but it does give him that feeling of europhoria when he finishes his run which he has never really got from any other kind of sport, however much he chucks himself about. He has however, completed the Brands Hatch 1/2 this year in them and that is my no means an easy course.

I am not suggesting that you will need these and if you can get back to running longer distances in normal runners that would be fantastic, but they are an alternative as they take a alot of the impact away from your joints.

TT

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Bird in Boots

Hi , Alan and welcome to the forum!

Tha ts really great that you've managed to overcome these difficulties the most important thing is to take things gradually sounds like your off to a great start though.

On the shoe front it's quite ssubjective as what suits one person may not suit another

The best advice seems to be to go to a specialist running shop and to try on different makes .dont be afraid to ask their advice they will be only to happy to help

Gait analysis would be interesting in your situation if you do get it done please post about it !

I was off work for nearly twoyears with back trouble ended up having a disc removed not as bd as the amount of breakage you had but bad enough .

I still can't get anywhere near touching my toes but apart from that it doesn't restrict me at all.

I would imagine that the running maybe combined with swimming and cycling would be great physio for you

good luck with everything

take it easy

Cheriton

One of the biggest things you could do to take impact away from the leg is to watch what surfaces you run on... grass etc will obviously take away a lot of the shock compared to the roads, and I'm sure you'll eb able to find a shoe to suit at a specialist running store.

Welcome to the forum

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I try muscle strengthening exercise on the weak leg,but it doesnt bend far enough to cycle.
Kango boots?I will look into it,I think I need Kangaroo boots!
I started by putting on a pair of aesics which I hadnt broken in and found them hard,so I put my ancient Saucony Grid,way past use by date and despite age and wear,thy were softer and more comfortable,odd I thought?

I went to buy new shoes the other day,my right foot was normal,but my left was high arch,oddly when I run it comes down like a flat foot,so I am all mixed up.
Anyway I got a pair of Saucony triumph 4,very cushioned and feel great.I noticed a big improvement with no stiff ache in the knee.I did x6 mile,with some walking,iam well pleased.
P.S what is av price for this shoe?anyone else bought them?

Great news Alan.

If they are a new shoe this year around £60 - £80 is about right.

I recently bought a pair of New Balance for £70.

But you can get older versions for alot less.

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In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.

Bird in Boots

Cheers,iam even more pleased now,I got them for 50quid.

I had a accident 9 years ago which left my ankle broke in three places (all three main bones) i had to have plates and screws in my ankle (both sides) i have trouble with bending movement on my ankle (real stiffness) and in the rain and damp weather it gives way at times, i also think i run awkward on it at times because my left knee niggles at times, other than that i do not have too much trouble with it, i love skiing and horse riding and running and have done long runs and races ok.

I hope you get on ok with it Alan

best of luck

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Are We There Yet

Thanks for the response Leece,I hope in time I will get towards half marathon distance,iam nearly up to 6ml already,but my left leg had sufferred from muscle wastage over the years of inaction and 7mnth in a caste.Glad to hear your doing well.