11 Must-Have Items for Runners with Arthritis

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While it might seem counterintuitive to have rheumatoid arthritis and be a long distance runner, there are many of us with RA who manage to keep on running. I was a runner for many years before I was diagnosed with RA. While I've had my struggles with disease flares and joint pain, I've made it work. So many people have told me that running is going to destroy my knees, but my believe has always been that arthritis is going to ruin my knees, not running. Research backs me up on this. As long as this body lets me run, I'm going to do it.

It's Arthritis Awareness Month and I'm sharing some favorite items that keep us arthritis warriors moving. I'm a member of 2 very positive and motivating Facebook groups, Runners with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Athletes Beating Rheumatoid Arthritis. I polled both groups and asked the members to share some of their favorite items that help them manage RA while they keep on running.

Lock Laces have long been a favorite product of mine. Anything that involves fine motor movements of my hands causes cramping and sometimes, I struggle to do simple things like tie my shoes. Lock Laces are easy to install and once they are in, you just slip your feet into your shoes and tighten the lock on the laces. They don't come loose and there's no need to do any adjusting when you're running. Lock Laces come in regular and elastic; there is also a reflective option. There are a variety of colors. There are other brands but none are as easy to install as Lock Laces.

Oofos are an overwhelming favorite of both groups, both for comfort and support. I have a couple of pairs of Oofos flip flops and they are the most comfortable footwear I own. When I'm not running or working, I'm wearing my Oofos. It's hard to believe something so comfortable could be so supportive.

Lululemon Enlite running bra. Recently, I participated in a Lululemon challenge on Strava and received a 25% off coupon. I've been looking for a new running bra and wanted one that didn't chafe, had a front zipper (back hooks can be a struggle for me), and was completely supportive. I decided to try the Enlite and I am in love. It's seamless, it's smooth, and it's so attractive, you could wear it alone (you can, I won't). The Enlite comes in sizes A-E. The best part is the removal--no shimmying a sweaty bra over your head!

Orthotics. There are a variety of orthotics that runners recommend. My personal favorite are the Spenco Soft Orthotics, recommended by my sports medicine physician. Other RA runners prefer Superfeet. Whatever brand you prefer, orthotics provide arch support and can help with impact.

CW-X Stabilyx Tights provide compression and joint support with strategically placed panels of fabric. I have a pair of CWX tights and I love them. So do my fellow RA group runners. There are a variety of styles and fabrics.

Foam Roller. Multiple people mentioned their foam roller, which really should be in every runner's toolbox, not just people with arthritis. Foam rolling provides deep tissue massage and fascial release, which can help ease muscle and joint pain and tightness. My personal favorite is my Trigger Point Foam Roller.

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Epsom Salts. Does anything feel better than an epsom salt bath? My personal preference is lavender but there are so many varieties to choose from! Epsom salts are made from magnesium, which is purported to help relax tight muscles. There's no science to support this, but an epsom salt bath won't hurt and sure seems to help!

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Supportive Running Shoes. This was a tough category because who do you trust with shoe recommendations? I will tell you that many of my fellow RA warriors love HOKA One Cliftons and Altra running shoes. The HOKAs are super cushioned and the Altras have a wide toe box, which were features noted by the runners who recommended these shoes. I've never run in either brand. My advice is that if you don't know what shoes to buy, you should go to a running store and be fitted professsionally.

Kinesio Tape. Runners everywhere, arthritic or not, love kinesio tape. The tape provides support and compression to joints and muscles and is used by physical therapists as part of treatment. There's some pretty good evidence for knee arthrtitis and kinesio tape has been used on the hand joints of RA patients with success. There are many different brands--two of the most popular brands are KT tape and RockTape. I've used both brands for a variety of issues. My physical therapist used Leukotape for the McConnell taping technique on my knee. This tape requires a base tape to be applied underneath it because it is so strong it can tear the skin. There are lots of YouTube videos on techniques for taping all different areas and I recommend checking one for your specific issue before you apply tape for the best results.

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Topical Pain Relief products Everyone seems to have their favorite pain relief rubs--the most mentioned product in the groups was Biofreeze. I like Biofreeze but my personal favorite is doTerra Deep Blue Rub. I've also tried and liked China Gel.

Omron TENS. I have been trialing Omron's Max Power Relief Tens Unit and Omron's Focus TENS therapy for Knee devices. I've never used a TENS device before but as a nurse, I've been familiar with these devices for years. I'm finding good relief for my knee pain as well as my low back pain since starting to use both devices. They are safe and there are no known side effects. You can read more here.

For those of us with RA who are able to run, it's great to have so many items that can help us keep moving. Thanks to all the RA warriors out there who keep showing the rest of us that this disease isn't going to define us!

RA warriors, what are your must-have items when you're getting ready to run? /via @oldrunningmom @OMRONhealthUS @curearthritis #painrelief #healthcareselfcare #arthritis #arthritisawarenessmonth #curearthritis #running #runchat

What are your go-to items that keep you moving? Did I miss anything? Please let me know. I'll add it to the list!

I'm linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and
with the Runners' Roundup: Debbie, Deborah, Jen, Rachel, Sandra, and Lisa.