

MYTH
Running is harmful and damaging to your joints, especially if you have arthritis or are overweight.

TRUTH
-
Hip and knee arthritis is not more prevalent in runners
-
Research shows that marathon runners have lower rates of arthritis than the general population [1]
-
In those with knee arthritis, running is associated with decreased pain and no worsening structural changes are seen on x-ray [2]
-
In fact, one study even found that some knee arthritis changes seen on imaging had improved after training for, and running a marathon [3]
-
Like the general population, if progressed properly, overweight individuals can safely adapt to running [4,5]
If you would like to start or improve your running, we can prescribe a program that would be the right fit for you.
Let us help you reach your running goals!
[1] Ponzio, D. Y., Syed, U. A. M., Purcell, K., Cooper, A. M., Maltenfort, M., Shaner, J., & Chen, A. F. (2018). Low Prevalence of Hip and Knee Arthritis in Active Marathon Runners. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 100(2), 131–137. doi: 10.2106/jbjs.16.01071
[2] Lo, G.H., Musa, S.M., Driban, J.B., Kriska, A.M., McAlindon, T.E., Souza, R.B., Petersen, N.J., Storti, K.L., Eaton, C.B., Hochberg, M.C., Jackson, R.D., Kwoh, C.K., Nevitt, M.C., & Suarez-Almazor, M.E. (2018). Running does not increase symptoms or structural progression in people with knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative. Clinical Rheumatology, 37, 2497–2504. doi: 10.1007/s10067-018-4121-3
[3] Horga, L. M., Henckel, J., Fotiadou, A., Hirschmann, A., Torlasco, C., Laura, A. D., … Hart, A. (2019). Can marathon running improve knee damage of middle-aged adults? A prospective cohort study. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 5(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000586
[4] Zdziarski, L. A., Chen, C., Horodyski, M., Vincent, K. R., & Vincent, H. K. (2016). Kinematic, Cardiopulmonary, and Metabolic Responses of Overweight Runners While Running at Self-Selected and Standardized Speeds. PM&R, 8(2), 152–160. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.06.441
[5] Taboga, P., Lazzer, S., Fessehatsion, R., Agosti, F., Sartorio, A., & Prampero, P. E. D. (2012). Energetics and mechanics of running men: the influence of body mass. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(12), 4027–4033. doi: 10.1007/s00421-012-2389-6
Myth or Truth?
Are you pregnant and have been told you shouldn’t exercise?
MYTH It is unsafe to exercise when I’m pregnant.TRUTH All pregnant women without specific risk factors are encouraged to exercise [3] Aim for at...
Have you gotten a scan (X-ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound) done and felt more confused?
MYTH We can figure out exactly what is causing our pain by just having a scan (x-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound) done.TRUTH There are just as many...
Have you been told you have arthritis?
(Also known as OA or Osteoarthritis)MYTH It’s a “wear and tear” condition that will only get WORSE with use of your joints.TRUTH Research shows that...