Is running/jogging bad for your knees? I'm at an average weight and I jogged a lot growing up, I'm thinking

Question

of taking it up again. I don't have any knee probs yet but everyone tells me to just walk???

Answer 1

Over the years, there have been many unsubstantiated myths claiming that running being bad for your joints. Some even claim that running is a major source of osteoarthritis or some other degenerative diseases. After lots and lots of research, we now know that different sports that strengthen and tighten the muscles around the knee are actually good, not bad. In fact, running can offer up to 12 years protection from the onset of osteoarthritis (see link to article below). Yet these myths seem to linger anyway...

In the same article, an Arthritis Research Campaign spokeswoman states, "Sitting around and being a couch potato is the worst thing you can do for your health." The key is to make sure that you do not injure yourself by making sudden increases to your workout. Gradual increases in distance is best. Although I cite only one newspaper article, you can find numerous sources (magazines, newspapers, web, etc.) that also support what I wrote.

At this point, it is a foregone conclusion among researchers that moderate running is very good for your knees. The jury is still out for dedicated long distance runners like those who run a lot of marathons. Since there are a lot more marathon runners these days, more reliable studies are currently being done. We shall see how things turn out.

Answer 2

I'm almost 50, run regularly, and my knees have never felt better. Just make sure that your leg muscles are strong. That takes a lot of the stress off the knee. Leg extensions, calf raises, hamstring curls, and squats are all exercises that you should be doing regularly to keep those muscles strengthened. Be sure to stretch all those muscles and tendons well after a run too. Post-run stretching is actually more important than pre-run stretching.

Answer 3

Use common sense. Most times you get hurt by overdoing it to soon. Take it slow and wear good shoes. I've been jogging on and off for 25 yrs. and really never had problems, other than general aches and pains, with my knees. Get going now before you change your mind or you might never start.

Answer 4

This is a question that you need to ask your doctor. He can give you the best advice.