The short answer is no. However, running can bring to light underlying/previous knee issues or training errors.
There is a common myth that running can cause knee arthritis or worsen its symptoms, but this is not true. Research has shown that regular running does not increase the risk of developing knee arthritis, and in fact, it may even help to reduce the symptoms. If done correctly, running can actually benefit your knee health by strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint. However, if you already have knee arthritis, running can cause pain and discomfort, and it may be necessary to modify your exercise routine or avoid high-impact activities. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor Physiotherapist before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have a history of knee problems.
Resources
- If you would like to learn more about the impact of running on your knees check out this great article from Ken Truong.
- If you have early arthritis or knee pain, consider our online, progressive strengthening program, Healthy Knees.
- Watch this playlist on YouTube for more great marathon tips from Tom
