Q: I am a 49-year-old male, weighing 60 kg and 5.6 feet in height. I underwent a sub-total pericardiotomy and was on anti-TB drugs for six months in 2000-2001. Then I lost about 10 kg and was feeling very light after the operation. I slowly started jogging, but for the last two years, I am suffering from pain in both my legs. A doctor advised me to take Jointace and Shelcal-500 mg regularly and keep jogging. I followed the doctor's advice. Recently, the doctor found that my Bone Density Test is -1.5. He says that it is normal for my age. I still continue my jogging, but I feel discomfort for the rest of the day even after taking the above medicine. I want to continue with the jogging because it keeps me fit and check on weight. I may gain weight if I stop jogging and do simple walking. I do not suffer from any other ailment. Can I continue my jogging and avoid pain in the joints? How can I keep myself fit and healthy?

A:You have mentioned that you have leg pain. But you have also mentioned that you have been taking medicines for joint pain and requested that you wish to continue to do jogging and avoid pain in the joints and in the site of pain you have written knee joint. I presume you have pain in your knee joint and not pain in the leg. The distinction is important as the causes for pain in the knee joint are different from those that cause pain in the leg. I am writing this on the assumption that you have pain in the knee joints. It is normal for you to feel good on reducing weight and when you are jogging. Jogging like any exercise is addictive as exercises stimulate production of what are known as endorphins in your brain. This gives a pleasurable sensation and you don't feel comfortable on a day that you do not exercise. However, though commonly done jogging is not to be recommended routinely, especially if you are over 40 years old. This is because jogging can affect several body systems. This is the age when you are likely to have compromised cardiac functions because of blood pressure, diabetes or poor lipid profile or any other pre-disposition to coronary heart disease. Sudden starting of a jogging exercise without medical evaluation can precipitate a cardiac problem. This can be dangerous. However, since you have been jogging for quiet some time this risk is not for you to worry about. Jogging can also contribute to stress fracture on your feet and legs. When they occur in the legs they are called shin sores these can trouble for quiet a long time. In an urban setting you often end up jogging on a concrete pavement or the tarmac of the road. This being a hard surface can cause impact problems on your heels or your knees continued impact loading on the knee joint makes it vulnerable to early degenerative changes. Therefore, if you really wish to protect your knee for a long time, I suggest that you stop jogging. Yes, because of lack of endorphins in your brain you wont feel good for some days. You will gradually get used to it. What would be best for you is brisk walking (also called walgging). This should preferably be done on gross or soft ground. Medicines are not essential at all and medicines like Jointace are actually diet supplements and if you are having a good balance diet you do not need it. If you are a vegetarian the only source of calcium for you is milk. If you take milk or milk products regularly, you do not need to take calcium also. However, if you feel your intake is inadequate, you may supplement with additional calcium.