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4 Effective Tips for Running with MS
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MS and the Feet: Brief Overview
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How is Foot Drop Connected with Multiple Sclerosis?
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Running with MS: Tips for Success
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Start Slow and Gradually Increase
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Stay Hydrated
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Watch for Signals of Fatigue
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Choose Better Running Gear
4 Effective Tips for Running with MS
Multiple sclerosis can make it challenging to walk, jog or run, due to symptoms such as numbness, pain and fatigue.
If you want to run for your health or simply for the sheer joy of it you still can find ways to make it work.
Let’s learn more about how MS affects runners, after which we will share a few powerful tips for running with MS so you can get back to doing what you love.
MS and the Feet: Brief Overview
Over 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis experience symptoms of numbness, pain and tingling. For around 65% of patients, these symptoms occur in the back, head, and/or extremities, including the feet.
Given how widespread these symptoms are, it should come as no surprise that around 41% of patients with MS report difficulties walking. About 70% consider it the “most challenging aspect” of the disease.
In addition, many patients with MS suffer from debilitating fatigue. It can be difficult to exercise when you feel so tired.
In MS, weakness in the ankle or damage to the nerves that send messages between the foot and the brain can make it difficult to lift your foot as you are walking. This can produce foot drop.
If you experience foot drop, your feet may drag along the ground as you walk. This increases the chances of stumbling and falling, especially when you need to cross an uneven surface or clear an obstacle.
It can be difficult even to walk safely and comfortably with foot drop. Running can pose an even greater challenge, since you need to lift your feet more fully, and you are moving more quickly.
Running with MS: Tips for Success
Now that you understand why MS can make running difficult, let’s go over some suggestions that can make running with MS easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Running definitely isn’t easy. You could be fooled into thinking it is because literally everyone in the world seems to be running at the moment, but it’s hard. Especially if you didn’t do sport in your younger years, you’re essentially teaching your old body new tricks and it will take time! And if you have MS…? Well that’s going to take a little longer too.
But I’ve got news for you. YOU CAN DO IT.
- Beth C. / Cadense Ambassador - MS Community
Start Slow and Gradually Increase
MS Society UK says that you should start your exercise sessions with MS with a gradual warm-up. That is great advice for the general population as well. Warming up with a lower intensity exercise (i.e. walking before running) can help to prevent injuries.
Stay Hydrated
Patients with MS sometimes reduce how much water they are drinking because they are tired of their bladder issues. Nevertheless, this can increase fatigue and produce dehydration symptoms. That is particularly dangerous while exercising, since you will be sweating to maintain your body temperature. So, make sure you are drinking plenty of water when you run with MS.
You may have to plan a route that keeps you close to restrooms you can use if you have a frequent need to urinate.
Watch for Signals of Fatigue
MS fatigue can easily catch you off guard if you are not alert for it. Try and proactively monitor yourself for fatigue signals as you run. That way, you can end your workouts in time to rest, rather than pushing yourself too far.
Choose Better Running Gear
One more step you can take to give yourself the best experiences running with MS is to choose footwear that helps mitigate your symptoms.
The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes for men and women with patented variable friction technology are excellent for runners who experience pain, numbness, or foot drop. These shoes “glide” over uneven surfaces effectively, helping you avoid stumbles and falls.
I think these are an absolute game changer. Having that ability to slide the foot is just something I haven’t seen or experienced before and I think it will be invaluable.
- Beth / Cadense Ambassador – MS Community
These shoes are also easy to put on and take off, have a wide, stable base, and offer snug, comfortable support to keep your feet and ankles aligned as you run. Their lightweight materials minimize fatigue, letting you get the most out of your runs. In addition, they are stylish enough for everyday wear.
To find your next pair of running shoes, shop our full collection of shoes for MS.
![[color: white] Original Women's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalWomensWhite-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694622872&width=300)
![[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe](http://cadense.com/cdn/shop/files/CadenseOriginalMensBlack-001.jpg?crop=center&height=300&v=1694621753&width=300)
