Female Speaker: I love to run. It makes me feel great, but some of my non-running friends tell me that I might be ruining my knees.
Robert Davis: If you are running like me, you know that hitting the trail can be good for your heart and your head, but what about your hips and knees? Does bringing this kind of stress on your joints, make you more prone to arthritis as some claim? Well the answer for most people, I am happy to say, is no.
Male Speaker: A number of long-term studies have found that regular joggers, including those who are older and run relatively long distances are at no greater risk of arthritis than non-runners. In fact, runners overall are less likely to have joints problems. One reason is that running leads to stronger bones and muscles, which means less pressure on joints. It also helps control weight, which has the same affect. Still running can pose a risk of arthritis and disability for certain people, including those with a history of joint injuries and those with big bodies, whose joints have to absorb more force. In many cases, they can still run, but they need to be especially careful.
To help protect your joints, try to run on even surfaces with more grip, like a track or dirt trail instead of concrete. Buy good running shoes and replace them regularly. Take days off and stop if you feel pain.
Robert Davis: It's also a good idea to cross train to include exercises that increase strength and flexibility which make your joints less susceptible to injury. By taking the right step, you and your joints can reap the rewards of running for a lifetime.
Helping you be a healthy skeptic. I am Robert Davis.
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