Running is a popular form of exercise that provides numerous benefits for cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, for individuals with osteoarthritis in the knee, the impact of running can exacerbate symptoms and contribute to further joint damage.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
If nothing else works, your doctor may talk with you about possible steroid injections in the knee or knee surgery. Your doctor will need to know what’s causing your pain so they can treat it correctly. They’ll examine you and ask about your symptoms and your medical history. Once you have done this for a few weeks and things become too easy add some extra weight, 10kg is a good start. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about osteoarthritis and running.
For short, is a chronic condition that causes the joints to become stiff and painful. The affected structure is the protective cartilage that covers the joint surface. In this article, I’ll explain what you should know about running with osteoarthritis and how to protect your knees while logging the miles so you can train safely and pain-free. Another study that followed runners and non runners over an 18 year period also found that the runners did not show more signs of arthritis in their knees compared to the control group of non runners. Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition causes the cartilage in the joints to break down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. In the knee, osteoarthritis can make activities like running particularly challenging due to the repetitive stress placed on the joint.
The Impact of Running
The Northwestern University researchers — including Hartwell, who was at Northwestern for the duration of the study, and a co-author, Dr. Vehniah Tjong, an orthopedic sports surgeon — found that wasn’t the case. We used our existing classification method and screened articles in PubMed and bibliographic search for animal OA models between 2016 and 2023. Relevant and high-cited articles were chosen for inclusion in this narrative review. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Research is ongoing, but several studies have found PRP to pack a powerful healing punch more effective than HA injections.
While running can be a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy weight, it can also worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee. The impact and strain of running put pressure on the knees, which can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and lead to increased pain and inflammation.
Running does not increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in your knees, but you do need strong legs to stay healthy. Many people find exercise and physical therapy helps their symptoms. People also benefit from self-management programs that provide information about living with osteoarthritis of the knee. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways you can use exercise and other self-care to manage your symptoms.
Invented in Sweden in the 1980s, the method has become common in orthopedic practices. Called Maci, it puts the cells inside a dissolvable scaffold – placed inside the knee – that’s designed to grow new cartilage. If your doctor wants to treat the osteoarthritis in the knee with surgery, the options are arthroscopy, osteotomy, and arthroplasty.
It is important for individuals with osteoarthritis in the knee to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or continuing a running routine. A medical professional can provide guidance on the best exercises and activities to help manage symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
The knees are the joints most often affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Knee arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee breaks down, which can happen due to aging, being overweight, or injury, among other things. The disease process begins before symptoms—pain, stiffness, and motion restriction—are noticed. Because of this and the fact that knee osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, getting a diagnosis and proper treatment as early as possible is key.
Alternative Exercise Options
For those with osteoarthritis in the knee who want to stay active without risking further joint damage, there are several low-impact exercise options to consider. Swimming, cycling, and walking are all excellent alternatives to running that can provide cardiovascular benefits without putting excessive strain on the knees.
Regardless of the type of exercise chosen, it is essential for individuals with osteoarthritis in the knee to listen to their bodies and avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
In conclusion, while running can be a beneficial form of exercise for many individuals, those with osteoarthritis in the knee should proceed with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider and exploring alternative exercise options can help individuals with osteoarthritis stay active and maintain their overall health and well-being.
