Jogging is one of the favorite activities for those who want to keep fit or lose weight. However, many avoid this sport for fear of damaging their joints. But does running really hurt your knees? Here’s the truth according to the experts.
Knee stroke and pain: study results
Jogging, or light running, is certainly a healthy activity. Just 50 minutes a week dedicated to this sport can guarantee numerous health benefits. Running lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression to name a few. It is also an economic activity: it can be practiced outdoors and does not require specific equipment, except for a good pair of shoes. However, many fear the risks to joint health. Does running really hurt your knees? Here is the truth.
Knee pain while running, especially among older adults, can be a symptom of osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage of the joints. But what if it was the rush to damage the cartilage? According to a recent studio, the answer appears to be no. In fact, those who practice jogging at a recreational level tend to suffer less from osteoarthritis than those who do not run.
When to be careful and how to reduce pain
Running would therefore be even beneficial for the joints: stimulating the knees ensures that the body supplies fundamental nutrients to the cartilages. Be warned, though: high-intensity running, as opposed to recreational light running, is associated with a higher likelihood of suffering from osteoarthritis.
Having established that light running does not damage your knees, what to do if you already suffer from pain in these joints? Do you have to give up your favorite sport? Scientists have not come to a unanimous answer. Some believe that if you have arthritis, it is best to avoid running. Others disagree.
If you don’t want to give up on your favorite physical activity, there are a few things you can do to reduce the pain. First, try to run less, reduce your speed and avoid downhill runs. Secondly, it is important to strengthen the knee and hip muscles, perhaps with the help of a physical therapist. Finally, try to assess whether you are making mistakes in your running technique. Again, it may be useful to consult a professional.
Deepening
If you prefer to avoid running, here are the tricks to burn more calories while walking.
