08/21/2025
In fact, running may be GOOD for your knees...hear us outā ā
Recent studies have shown that recreational running does not increase the risk of developing symptomatic osteoarthritis and that running may reduce its development. š„ A key point to highlight here is that elite level runners show similar levels of osteoarthritic change when compared to non-runners. Thus, even elite level runners are not necessarily at a higher risk, and recreational running may actually be protectiveā ā
šāāļøEvidence also indicates that moderate intensity exercise can improve cartilage health by increasing force absorption properties of the weight-bearing surfaces. Further, small studies have shown a reduction pro-inflammatory markers within the joint in recreational runners.ā ā
šEven with the lack of certainty on this topic, we feel that perpetuating the unfounded myth that running is generally bad for the knees does much greater harm than running itself ever couldā ā
For Reference:ā
1ļøā£ The Association of Recreational and Competitive Running With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisā
2ļøā£ā Positive effects of moderate exercise on glycosaminoglycan content in knee cartilage: a four-month, randomized, controlled trial in patients at risk of osteoarthritis
3ļøā£ Running decreases knee intra-articular cytokine and cartilage oligomeric matrix concentrations: a pilot study
