Once again, PRSSA is helping promote the Arthritis Foundation’s annual Jingle Bell Run,a 5K to be held in Rogers, Ark., on Dec. 2. Leading up to the event, we’ll be sharing information about arthritis, running and everything you need to know about the 5K!
Below, is our first post, from member Sydney Smith, about her father’s experience with arthritis. Share your stories in the comments as well, and find out more about Jingle Bell Run here!
Currently there are 50 million adults in the United States living with arthritis. Most people probably know someone who is affected by arthritis. I have several family members who have arthritis, one of which is my dad.
My dad, Joel, is 51 and one of the most active and in-shape people I know. He works out by running and lifting weights five to six days a week, and he referees soccer matches on Sunday mornings. It seems ironic to me that he has a late stage of osteoarthritis in his left knee, given his athletic lifestyle. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when cartilage breaks down and wears away causing bones to rub together.
My dad was 48 when he began having issues with his knee. He experienced general pain and a rubbing or clicking sound of the bones. He found it very difficult to perform simple tasks such as bending down, running, sitting or squatting.
His arthritis affected his lifestyle greatly. After his surgery he found out that he was going to need a knee replacement. The doctor told him that if he quit running all together he could delay the knee replacement for 15 years or so, but if he did not quit running it would likely have to be done in 5 to 10 years.
Being the strong, active man he is, he decided to push through his pain every day and by continuing to run, work out, and referee because he has always lived a very active lifestyle and isn’t ready to quit his athletics altogether. He says that he “would rather go full throttle now and take my chances on a knee replacement when I’m a little younger rather than when I’m a little older”.
PRSSA 
Reblogged this on gloriaetrin and commented:
PRSSA member, Sydney Smith, shares a personal story of how arthritis has impacted her father’s life. Great first blog, PRSSA!