Fact or Fiction: Running Is Bad for Your Knees and Hips

Is Running Bad for Your Knees and Hips?

Many of us have heard that running places a great deal of stress on your joints, and increases your risk of injury and even arthritis in your knees and hips. To find the truth, we asked our sports performance experts: does running damage your knees and hips?

The Verdict: Fiction

Contrary to popular belief, recent studies have found that running moderate distances (10-20 miles a week) have shown no negative effect on articular cartilage of the hips and knees. In fact, in some studies, running has actually been found to be helpful in strengthening the cartilage in knees and hips.

The benefits of consistent aerobic exercise in overall health and disease prevention are significant. Cartilage breakdown occurs in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, when the cartilage of the joint becomes worn. Osteoarthritis may cause lasting joint damage that could include pain, swelling and possible restriction in joint motion.