Hello,

Does anyone out there suffer from osteoarthritis in their knees? I was diagnosed last year at the age of 38. It did not cause pain or stiffness...I only went to the doctor for swelling in my knee. An xray confirmed osteoarthritis and the doctor told me if running is causing swelling, I shouldn't run anymore.

I havn't been able to quit running (it's such a joy in my life). Last weekend on my weekly long run I started having pain on my left knee (only) in a pretty specific point (left of kneecap). It was a very hilly course...I usually try to avoid hilly courses as they do aggravate my knee swelling. The pain was bad enough that I had to stop running. Now it hurts to go up and down stairs and when my foot strikes the ground..but I can bend it without pain.

Does anyone out there with osteoarthritis know if OA pain can come on suddenly like that? I thought OA would cause deep knee aches (chronically, constantly)...not acutely and only when running/going up and down stairs? Or could I possible have injured something else in my leg/knee? I'm afraid to go back to my doctor as he'll tell me I shouldn't be running again...

Any advise is appreciated!!