2023-09-30 17:01:00
Robert H. Shmerling, member of Harvard Medical School, dispels the myth that has been around runners for years: Is running a sentence for our beloved joints? The answer, backed by recent research, might surprise you. Many who practice this sport fear developing arthritis, which is an inflammation of the joints that can result in pain, stiffness and reduced movement. There are many types, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid being the most common.
Shmerling, during his college years, witnessed a friend avoid running, saving his knees for the battles of old age. It is not an unimportant disease, as according to the Mayo Clinic, it can prevent you from walking comfortably or sitting upright. In some cases, joints may progressively lose their alignment and shape.
It also has many health benefits. Photo: Freepik.
Does running a lot wear out your joints?
Shmerling maintained, in an articlethat arthritisespecially osteoarthritis, has been painted as a wear and tear of the joints, something that running might speed up. But is it fair to blame running when someone develops arthritis? The possibilities are complex: running might be genetic predisposition or a mysterious concert between the two. lResearch has sought to unravel this intricate melody, and the notes they have discovered are, at least, encouraging.
It is a very widespread myth and fear. Photo: Freepik.
The expert mentions that recent findings seem to challenge the traditional notion. A 2017 study put recreational runners in a favorable light, showing that they had lower rates of osteoarthritis compared to competitive and sedentary runners.
Likewise, he notes that another 2018 study flattered marathoners, showing a significantly lower rate of arthritis compared to the general population. Additionally, a recent analysis in 2022 found no evidence of post-race cartilage damage. These revelations suggest that running is not the villain in this narrative, and might, in fact, be a silent ally.
More studies are still needed. Photo: Freepik.
Is running good for your joints?
However, Robert explained that studying the relationship between running and arthritis is like sailing on a river with many currents. Osteoarthritis takes years to manifest, and an ideal study would require a prolonged and detailed look, something that is beyond practical reality. Confounding factors, such as diet and lifestyle, come into play, making it more difficult to discern the truth.
There are several factors that influence it. Photo: Freepik.
Running can have varying effects on different people, especially those with obesity, where excess weight might put additional pressure on the joints. However, The current data seems to lean towards one conclusion: running is not the antagonist of our joints.
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