Don’t Fear Running Will Cause Arthritis
Many runners are concerned that their exercise routine and other competitions that they partake in as part of their love of running are starting to deteriorate the health of their knees. Whilst many may worry that the wear and tear of running will ultimately ruin your knees or create a higher risk of osteoarthritis, research actually suggests that runners are reducing their risk of bad knees and osteoarthritis by running on a regular basis. According to Dartmouth-Hitchcock (D-H) Rheumatologist Alicia Zbehlik, MD, MPH, ‘A runner tends to be leaner on average and the lower BMI puts less strain on the knee. Weight is the number one modifiable risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. The higher the weight, the higher the risk,’ says Zbehlik.
Running Won’t Harm You
Whoever told you that running will harm your knees is living off old news. It is in fact true that even your own doctor will cite that daily exercise is necessary for the means to lead a happy and healthier lifestyle. Running is one of the easiest ways to work on cardio and weight loss at the same time; you are strengthening both your heart and your muscles with one exercise routine. We have been raised to know that exercise helps our bodies and our mood, which in turn helps us to be healthier individuals.
Keep Being Active
It is also true that being active reduces weight and your BMI level. Having a lower BMI and less weight means you’re reducing the chance of osteoarthritis. Runners tend to have a more lean body, as this is something they do on a regular basis, which provides muscle tone and less fat on the body. Common sense would tell you that the less fat on your body, the less strain on your knees. The continuation of running is actually benefiting your body as a whole and not in fact causing arthritis. If you are a runner, I bet you know what I am talking about. You have seen your body mass index lower and the weight slide right off because running is a great cardio workout which reduces fat.
How to Protect your Knees
If you are still concerned with protecting your knees, as we all should be, here are some tips from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center on how to protect your knees:
– Use good form when running, leaning slightly forward, keeping your knees bent.
– Make sure your shoes have enough support and can absorb shock well.
– Avoid running on hard surfaces like concrete.
– Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight puts additional stress on the knees.
– Increase activity gradually. Doing too much before your body is conditioned can cause injury.
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This is great information. I be there are a lot of uninformed people out there and this will help!
This is excellent info. I was always taught that running was terrible for you knees. I even had a doctor tell me that recently! O_o
My husband and daughter are runners and I can attest to the fact that everything you are sharing is all the advice they have gotten from coaches – especially when it comes to reducing the impact of running on one’s knees. Great resource!
This will clear up a common misconception for many people. I know lots of people who believe this still.
I am one of those people! I thought running was bad for your knees (you just busted my bubble of excuses) I find that I must have bad form because I feel it in my shins and I’m afraid to get shin splints. I guess you need to come down and teach me!
Hahaha! This made me giggle, “you just busted my bubble of excuses” … come on Rachel .. you know you want to be a runner 😛 lol
Hahaha! This made me giggle, “you just busted my bubble of excuses” … come on Rachel .. you know you want to be a runner 😛 lol
I never even considered the negative aspects that running can have on your body since I love it so much. Having quality running shoes definitely makes a major difference!
I never realized running could even cause arthritis! Running is such a great way to exercise – I used to be more serious about it before. I should keep at it again.
These are some great points. There are plenty of nice parks with trails that are easier on the knees than concrete.
Proper shoes really help a running plan. I’m building back up to running, which is helping me drop the weight.
great tips. The right shoes and starting gradually are key to not hurting yourself with your running routine!
I agree, shoes can really be beneficial to running safely 🙂
On the contrary, it helps prevent arthritis! I think running is a good workout and it’s easy to do everyday as well. I love the tips that you have here, so helpful!
This is great info to know. I am trying to build up my endurance and stamina again after being sick for so long. These are great tips to remember as I get back in shape and start running.
Oh, I love these tips. i have a great shoes so I think what I really need is the motivation to run.
I heard that arthritis is a very painful condition. Good to know about these tips.
Great info. Although I am not worried about arthritis at the moment, this is good info for anyone!
These are such solid tip! Perfect timing too as I’ve recently gotten back into running. Thanks!
I didn’t even know people were connecting arthritis and running… you can probably tell im not a runner haha. But i do love me a new pair a shoes!
It’s always nice to hear these kinds of things. This is the kind of info you file away in your mind for when you need it. 🙂
I think this is even good advice if you’re just a walker like I am…I always try to make sure all my shoes have enough cushion in them – my ankles & knees ache otherwise!
I’m so glad you shared this. I’ve had people tell me my entire life that I was ruining my knees by running. Guess who’s NOT ruining their knees? This girl.
It really is amazing how many people still believe this!! This is great information for any one who believes this, especially if they want to try running.