Running and Osteoarthritis

Friday, July 14, 2017

Many of us have heard it said that running will eventually cause arthritis, and it is hard to dispute the logic of this idea. After all, we do expose our knees and hips to a lot of force when we run. A recent research analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy has shed some light on this common question.

Researchers reviewed 25 different studies that looked at the prevalence of osteoarthritis in the knees and hips of runners. They found that the likelihood of recreational runners to develop osteoarthritis is 3.5%, while sedentary or non-running individuals had a 10.2% likelihood. However, the researchers also found that the likelihood of competitive runners to develop osteoarthritis is 13.3%. The researchers defined competitive runners as people who ran more than 57 miles per week. The research also found that people who had been running for more than 15 years had a higher likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. However, in all of the studies that were reviewed, people who were runners for more than 15 years were also all competitive runners.

The take away message from this information is that running at a recreational level for up to 15 years will actually reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, there is no evidence that says if you run at a recreational level for more than 15 years you will still be at a lower risk of arthritis. You can find more information about the research by clicking on the following link Running and Osteoarthritis.

If you plan on starting a running program or are already a runner there are many ways in which a physical therapist can help reduce your risk of injury. For example, a physical therapist can help you select the appropriate shoes and develop an exercise program that will supplement your running. All that it requires is an evaluation of your foot mechanics and running style.  If you would like more information please call Cozad Community Physical Therapy at 308-784-2231.

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