will jogging ruin my knees???

MaryStregger

Building muscle to support your knee joints should really help prevent issues - and wearing good running footwear that is not worn out. If you wear the same runners and work out in them every day, it is safe to assume that after 6 months, you may want to investigate a new pair. A really great exercise for runners is to do squats, with weights held in each hand. They don't have to be heavy weights. Just make sure that your knees never go farther forward than your toes when you squat. I have been running for years and I have found that this exercise has really helped to support my knees and prevent injury.

mlb929

I just read something in a running magazine last week. Basically... the question was "how do I respond to people that tell me running is bad for me"....basically the answer was - Lack of exercise is worse

My best friends DH is in the battle for his life with cancer - they said he could not have withstood the excessive amounts of Chemo he's had - HAD he not started out so healthy. His heart has suffered 30% damage from Chemo, but because he was a runner before cancer, his heart has been able to withstand so much more.

I totally agree - Cross train - strengthen those knees and run to your best ability! Enjoy it and have fun.


Also - many knee injuries and pain start with weak Core muscles and weak hip flexors. Strengthen from the top down.

dietpop

Here's a summary of running's impact on the knees from Time magazine:

Is Running Bad for Your Knees? Maybe Not http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1948208,00.html#ixzz1Xkpyahxk

It says: Not only is there no connection between running and arthritis, the new studies say, but running — and perhaps regular vigorous exercise generally — may even help protect people from joint problems later on.

bcattoes

thanks so much everybody for your help! i have about 90-100 lbs to lose, so i'm thinking investing in some good shoes is a good idea. i usually alternate jogging and walking and i try not to push it too hard.

You can also try incline walking to ramp up your calorie burn without the impact (just don't hold on to the handrails).

Whether or not running at your weight will lead to "knee problems" is really a matter of percentages. The risk of an overuse injury increases when you start doing a high-impact activity. I only bring that up because some people are using personal anecdotes to suggest otherwise and that is misleading.

The fact that the risk increases doesn't mean you WILL become injured nor does it mean you should not run. You are doing the right thing by being smart about intervals, and investing in some quality footwear. You are also fairly young, and that also mitigates the risk somewhat.

Running will not "wear out your knees" per se--i.e. will not "grind down" the joints or anything. The increased shock can lead to tendinitis or can result in an acute injury like a meniscus tear or ligament damage.

OTOH, if this is something you enjoy and keeps you motivated, that's important as well.

Those are the facts to consider. There is no absolute right or wrong answer.

Did you miss the part where she says she already has tendonitis? She really needs to check with her doctor instead of a bunch of strangers on an internet message board.

paladeac

thanks so much everybody for your help! i have about 90-100 lbs to lose, so i'm thinking investing in some good shoes is a good idea. i usually alternate jogging and walking and i try not to push it too hard.

You can also try incline walking to ramp up your calorie burn without the impact (just don't hold on to the handrails).

Whether or not running at your weight will lead to "knee problems" is really a matter of percentages. The risk of an overuse injury increases when you start doing a high-impact activity. I only bring that up because some people are using personal anecdotes to suggest otherwise and that is misleading.

The fact that the risk increases doesn't mean you WILL become injured nor does it mean you should not run. You are doing the right thing by being smart about intervals, and investing in some quality footwear. You are also fairly young, and that also mitigates the risk somewhat.

Running will not "wear out your knees" per se--i.e. will not "grind down" the joints or anything. The increased shock can lead to tendinitis or can result in an acute injury like a meniscus tear or ligament damage.

OTOH, if this is something you enjoy and keeps you motivated, that's important as well.

Those are the facts to consider. There is no absolute right or wrong answer.

Did you miss the part where she says she already has tendonitis? She really needs to check with her doctor instead of a bunch of strangers on an internet message board.

Unfortunately, the doctor may or may not know the difference minimalist running makes. As I said earlier, I was having almost constant pain until I changed my stride.

Zyhon

You all are funny,

Sure, people that are overweight can run. That was not the question of the thread. The question was, will running when overweight hurt my knee's.

I'm way overweight myself, I could run, but why would I when can get the same benefit out of different exercises and reduce the harm to my knee's.

Bicycle machines
Jump Roping (on a good surface)
Elliptical


Rowing Machines

I Agree