INFO - Running and arthritis

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Running and Arthritis

Dr.Nick.com

By DiNubile, M.D.

Posted on Sat, Mar 18, 2006, 12:04 pm PST

The Training Room

by DiNubile, M.D. a Health Expert for Fitness

As an orthopedic surgeon, I am often asked if running causes

arthritis. Pounding the pavement, mile after mile, for years- you

would think it would cause wear on your hips and knees, just the way

tires on your car are worn-out as the miles accumulate.

The scientific truth is that running does not cause arthritis. Runners

are usually very glad to hear that statement until they hear my next

one. Although running does not cause arthritis in healthy knees, if

you have arthritis it will make things worse.

Running is a high impact activity generating forces five to seven

times body weight on your knees and hips. If you have arthritis, it

will accelerate the wear, damaging your joints further. If you have

arthritis and are overweight pounding the pavement, you are even more

likely to make the wear process worse.

So, if you're lower extremity joints are healthy, running is hard to

beat as a cardiovascular or aerobic exercise. But remember, if you're

overweight, you should get in shape to run rather than running to get

in shape. This lessens the chance of overload related injury to your

knees etc. If you have arthritis, especially in your knee, look for

other lower impact alternatives to getting in shape or staying in

shape.

In my next blog I'll review some the friendly aerobic routines for

those with lower extremity (i.e. knee, hip, foot and ankle) arthritis.

http://health./experts/sportsnick/877/running-and-arthritis/

Not an MD