Is Running Bad For Your Knees?

It's a common belief around recreational runners that running can damage your knees and cause arthritis, but is it really as bad as what people think?

Common Beliefs

A common belief we here time and time again as a physio is that people stop running because 'it is bad for their knees.' But what does the research actually say about running and is it as dangerous as what many people think?

What does the scientific literature say?

A study that was conducted in 2017 analysed multiple studies that involved both recreational, elite and non runners. In this big study there were 125,000 participants studied and the results may surprise you.

Firstly let's define recreational and elite runners. The study defined a recreational runner as someone who runs at moderate intensity without professional aspirations, often as a form of exercise or leisure activity. An elite runner is someone who runs at a high-intensity, typically involving elite or professional athletes who train rigorously and participate in races or competitions.

What did the study show?

So what did the study find? Recreational runners had lower incidences of osteoarthritis in both the hip and knee joints compared to non runners. If you run at moderate intensities and a moderate running volume, this evidence suggests that recreational running may have benefits for your overall joint health. But what can influence osteoarthritis is an intense training volume and higher running intensities. So if you are a recreational runner, you are safe to run if your body has the capacity to do so.

If you are unsure if you should be running or not get booked in with one of our clinicians at LIFT https://www.liftphysioclinic.com/book-now

What can lead to osteoarthritis?

In healthcare we are starting to shift our mindsets from osteoarthritis ‘being when the joint is worn out’ to OA being 'the body’s natural ageing process.’ There are factors that can influence a quicker onset of osteoarthritis such as:

1. Obesity

2. Previous injury in the injured area

3. Surgery in the area

4. Poor diet and an inactive lifestyle

Don't stop running!

So don’t let the old narrative of ‘running being bad for your knees’ be the reason you stop your running. Enjoy running in moderation and ensure that you are doing all you can to keep body weight low and strength train to aid your joints in the aging process!

If you are struggling to run, or experience osteoarthritis, book in to see one of our clinicians

If you are struggling with pain with running, or want to help prevent running injuries, get in touch with LIFT Physiotherapy and get booked in to see one of our running experts via the following link - https://www.liftphysioclinic.com/book-now