#8 August Edition - Does running make my Osteoarthritis worse?

Hi everyone!

I hope you’re all enjoying a physically active and relaxing summer. Exciting news: the Vancouver Bandits basketball team, which I work with, just clinched first place in the league! This month, we’re heading to Montreal for the playoffs. 🤞 Let’s hope the guys bring home their first-ever Elite Canadian League Championship.

While basketball has kept me busy, I’m still seeing patients in the clinic. With the great weather in Vancouver, running has become a hot topic. A frequent question I get is, “Is running bad for my knees?”

Past studies on the link between physical activity and knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been inconsistent. This recent study aimed to compare the progression of knee OA in middle- to older-aged runners versus healthy non-runners over nearly 20 years.

This study followed 45 long-distance runners and 53 controls (mean age 58) from 1984 to 2002. Using serial knee radiographs, researchers compared Total Knee Score (TKS) progression and the incidence of severe OA between the two groups. They also analyzed factors such as age, gender, BMI, education, and initial knee health.

🏃‍♂️ Key Findings

1. Running and Knee Health: Contrary to common belief, long-distance running is not linked to accelerated knee OA. In fact, runners didn’t show more severe OA than non-runners over nearly two decades.

2. Joint Health Over Time: Both runners and non-runners had similar knee health by the end of the study, suggesting that running doesn’t worsen knee health compared to other forms of activity.

3. Factors Affecting OA: Higher initial BMI and existing knee damage were more significant predictors of worse OA outcomes than running.

🏃‍♀️ Health Tips

• Stay Active: Regular exercise, including running, is beneficial for overall health and doesn’t necessarily harm your knees.

• Monitor BMI: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing severe OA.

• Pay Attention to Injuries: Previous knee injuries can impact OA progression. Always address injuries promptly and follow rehabilitation protocols.

🏃‍♂️ Conclusion

Embrace regular physical activity! Long-distance running, along with other forms of vigorous exercise, can be part of a healthy lifestyle without increasing the risk of knee osteoarthritis. If you’re not a runner, that’s okay! It’s not for everyone. Cycling and walking are also great for knee health. If you want to start running, lower limb strength is very important, so consult a professional.

Stay healthy and keep moving! 🌟

Ps. Feel free to share with friends and family. They can subscribe to this monthly newsletter here.

Warm regards,

Kosta Ikonomou