How Running Impacts the Knee

Finance professional Jahanara Nissar works as a managing partner at Lynx Equity Strategies in New York. In this position, she broadened relationships with prospective institutional institutions. In her free time, Jahanara Nissar enjoys reading and running.

Running is a popular physical activity enjoyed by people around the globe. However, there is a popular misconception that running wrecks the knees. This belief is held because the knees absorb a significant amount of shock during a run, adversely impacting the cartilage. However, various studies have found that this is not the case.

A new study on the effects of running and walking on the knee joint showed that, while running puts more strain on the knees than walking, it can also strengthen and bulk up the cartilage.

Further, researchers discovered that running could reduce an individual's chances of developing arthritis later. This is because the compression of the knees while running supplies more fluid to the joints, keeping them lubricated. A study was conducted for over 18 years involving a group of long-distance runners and a non-runner control group.

During this time, the researchers took a series of X-rays to check for osteoarthritis in the knees. The study revealed no connection between running in healthy older persons and a prevalence of osteoarthritis. The study further revealed that only 20 percent of runners have indications of osteoarthritis compared to 32 percent of non-runners.

Running - Tips for Avoiding Injury

Jahanara Nissar is a New York City-based investment strategist with over 18 years of experience as a financial executive. In her free time, Jahanara Nissar enjoys running for exercise and pleasure in the urban sprawl of New York City.

Running in big cities can be a lot of fun, with varied terrains to traverse and sights to see. However, whether you are cutting through a public park or jogging down the road, it is vital to keep your health and safety in mind to avoid serious injury. Running seems straightforward, but you could do more harm than good to your body without proper preparation.

Wearing proper running shoes is as essential as getting them adequately fitted. You have a good pair if it is a bit snug in the heel and somewhat looser in the toes. Even if they seem fine at first, shoes that do not fit or are not designed for running will fail you in the long run by either wearing out or damaging your ligaments slowly over time. To keep the rest of your body in its best shape, make sure to vary your exercise by stretching before and after every run and heading to the gym regularly.