Fact v. Fiction: Running Is Bad for Your Knees
Fiction. If done correctly, regular exercise can help protect your knees.
Although it seems to be a common belief that running will ruin your knees, a number of emerging research studies report the contrary. A two decade-long study conducted at Stanford University found that runners’ knees were no more or less healthy than non-runners' knees. In fact, research has shown that individuals who exercise regularly, partaking in activities like walking or running, actually tend to have thicker, healthier knee cartilage compared to their sedentary counterparts. This leads researchers to the conclusion that regular exercise can actually help to protect knees as opposed to destroy them. Studies have shown, however, that proper mechanics and strength training, along with an appropriate warm-up and cool-down, are crucial to minimizing the risk of injury and reducing the likelihood of developing knee-related issues such as osteoarthritis.
Are your running shoes hurting you? Check out these tips from the American Council on Exercise to find the right footwear option for you.
Jessica Matthews is an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. As a contributor to The Juice Bar, she'll be giving you the scoop on the latest fitness classes, decoding newfangled gym equipment, debunking exercise myths, and more.
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