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Jogging & Damage to the Joints

Aug 18, 2011 | By L. T. Davidson
Jogging & Damage to the Joints
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Jogging has a well-deserved reputation for improving various aspects of physical and mental health -- weight loss, a more efficient cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure, stronger legs and greater self-esteem are among its documented benefits. It also has a reputation among many people for damaging joints -- one that, based on available evidence, might not be so well-deserved.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, commonly abbreviated OA, is a degenerative condition in which cartilage is gradually worn away. Overuse, as occurs in distance runners, has been associated with OA of the knee, generally the joint of interest in jogging. Being overweight is also a risk factor for OA. According to research published in 2006 in the "Journal of the American Osteopathic Association," joggers demonstrate an increased incidence of OA per X-ray examination, but show no increase in OA symptoms. In fact, distance running not only does not appear to cause or worsen OA in healthy people, but may have a preventive effect.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, abbreviated RA, differs from OA in both its causes and its manifestation. Rather than being an age-associated wear-and-tear process, it is an autoimmune disease, with the antibodies in your blood attacking your joints. Dr. Zuzana de Jong, a Dutch rheumatologist, explains that RA patients who jog or otherwise exercise twice a week see an improvement in both their mood and their RA symptoms. As with OA, jogging has not been seen to accelerate the rate of joint damage. If you have RA and are free of mobility problems, jogging should remain an option for you.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

While arthritis might not be the pressing issue among joggers that some people think it is, jogging unquestionably leads to knee pain and injuries in a significant proportion of regular, longtime joggers. The most common of these is patellofemoral pain syndrome or "runner's knee," in which the patella, or kneecap, fails to track properly in the groove at the bottom of the femur, or thigh bone. When this misalignment occurs, pain and joint damage result. Rest and ice are usually sufficient to resolve the injury, but physical therapy and even knee surgery are sometimes necessary.

Preventing Joint Problems

You can do a number of things to keep jogging from having a negative effect on your joints. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial; you shouldn't build up your jogging mileage too rapidly or exceed the capacity of your particular musculoskeletal limitations. Running on dirt and grass rather than pavement, wearing well-cushioned shoes, not overstriding, sound dietary habits, regular stretching and taking days off when you need them are all effective in taking a preemptive strike at joint problems, "Running Times" magazine reports. Discuss your exercise regimen and any resulting pain with your doctor, who can give professional treatment and prevention advice specific to your situation.

References

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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