Is jogging/running bad for knees, hips, ankles, feet?

Question

Whenever I try jogging I get pains in my knees, could this be because:
a) I'm 10 kilos (20lbs) overweight
b) Bad running technique
c) Bad footwear
d) Because running is bad for you

Answer 1

Road running is notoriously bad for the joints. The impact of the hard road shocks the joints and wears them away. As a staff nurse on a orthopaedic ward we see alot of joint replacements from runners. Maybe try a soft track at your local leisure centre and a pair of well fitted trainers xx

Answer 2

It is probably a combination - bad footwear could be the source - I would go and buy good shoes - in the store let them watch you running.

But it could also come from the back. For a long time I would get horrible pains in my knees when I tried to run and it took a couple of doctors to find out that the problem was actually my back. Now, that is fixed and I am running happily every day.

Answer 3

I use to be an avid runner and I really ruined my knees and shins. I had shin splints and tendonitis on both of my knees. My doctor at the time had suggested that I should stop running because I am going to ruin my tendons. A better alternative to running/jogging is walking. Walking doesn't hurt as bad as running. Mind you like running, you should still be stretching when doing walking as an form of exercise.

Runnning is hard on thos eover are overweight. If you are considering to jog/or, you should consider consulting your physician he should know whether running/jogging is appropriate for you.

Answer 4

i want to lose a stone but i don't look overweight, you have pain in your knees i have the same problem, i go to the gym regularly and without the treadmill i feel i have not worked hard, but i still carry on, if you are overweight (sorry) don't do too much running, on the treadmill recline the treadmill up and walk like you are walking up a hill, same thing, and fast walking, make sure you are wearing running air trainers, and another thing i do i wear 2 pairs of socks, so when i land on my feet it is cushioned. Another excersie is the skiing machine that is just as good. I went to see the physio last week, she told me to carry on running, how are your muscles around the knee and behind the knee you might need to strengthen them, that is what she told me, and another thing if you are getting pain, get the peas packet out and put on the knee, but don't give up listen to your body, wish you luck.

Answer 5

Most things are bad for you in excess. Jogging on grass is supposed to be better for your joints- but harder work, you do need a decent pair of shows. I prefer something that has more variety like the gym or a class, or try swimming- your joints are supported by the water so should be no pain!

Answer 6

Jogging should be called jolting as this is what is does to your body. If you have strong bones and good muscularity you shouldn't suffer too much, but try to run on soft ground , grass, sandy beaches etc, just lay off the road.

Answer 7

Pretty much yes. The human frame was designed for walking, not running. If we were meant to run for any distance (200 yards or more) we would still possess a tail for instance.
So instead of running try "power walking". You will shift just as much body-fat. Trust me.
Better still look up Matt Fureys website for additional exercises.

Answer 8

Combination of A and C above. Anything that puts strain on joints will hurt. Your body is not designed for jogging on cement/tar/brick etc. rather jog on grass, sand etc.

Answer 9

Running can cause some impact damage of bones and joints. Swimming and bicycling are better for you in the long run. Just make sure you do it for more than 20 minutes each time you exercise.

Answer 10

a, b, and c can be correct, but not d. Running is not bad for you, but you may be one of those people who have bad knees, and if you do, running is not good for you.