Running Is Bad For My Knees, Right?
/
Often, I will hear that people don’t run because they have heard it’s bad for their knees. Well that’s not entirely true. Does that mean I think you should start your first day running a 10K, definitely not.
However, I also don’t want you to think that you can’t run. On the flip side, if you are a runner and your knees do hurt... physical therapy and chiropractic can help!
Running is a high impact activity but when you are properly progressed into running it can be enjoyable, safe and actually good for your knees! Your knee joint depends on your movement (be it walking or running) to keep it nourished. Now that sounds weird, but if you think of your knee like a suction every time you step it depresses and then releases when you lift your leg. When you release, fluids come in to nourish the joint.
If you’re already a runner and experiencing knee pain there could be other factors at play! Are your leg muscles tight? Do your feet bother you running as well? Maybe your hip isn’t moving the way it should?
There is a saying, "Get Fit To Run, Don't Run To Get Fit."
Often, with knee pain the culprit isn’t just the knee! The important thing is to figure out where it is coming from which will in turn decrease your knee pain.
You need to make sure your entire body is mobile, flexible, stable and strong enough to withstand the demands of running the amount that makes you happy.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us here at HealthFit!
