Running causes osteoarthritis MYTH OR REALITY?

Running causes osteoarthritis MYTH OR REALITY?

<a href='https://www.freepik.es/vector-gratis/fondo-con-una-persona-corriendo_1014946.htm'>Vector de fondo creado por starline</a>

When we speak of osteoarthritis we refer to a chronic condition characterized by pain, impaired function and quality of life of the subject suffering from this injury. There are no studies that approve the relationship between osteoarthritis and physical activity.

 Many opinions consider that running is a possible cause of osteoarthritis (especially knee and hip), and many people (including health professionals and physical activity and sports) use this argument, avoiding running. However, some studies show how osteoarthritis is more frequent in sedentary subjects (Chakravarty et al, 2008).

Now let's specify a little more about the running race. Scientific research tells us that:

1. Chakravarty et al. (2008) conducted a prospective study, whose objective is to determine if there are differences in the appearance and progression of knee osteoarthritis in middle and older age corridors, when these are compared with healthy non-runners, through radiographic observations. The authors conclude that the race is not associated with accelerated signs of osteoarthritis and that osteoarthritis, therefore, is not more common in runners.

2. Lo et al. (2016), it is concluded that there is no increase in the risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in runners, compared with non-runners.

3. Timmins et al (2016), in their systematic review with meta-analysis conclude that it is not possible to establish an association between the practice of running and knee osteoarthritis, despite the existence of studies that offer different points of view.

4. Alentorn-Geli (2017) determines that the practice of running as a recreational form is not associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. In fact, at a recreational level, the race is associated with lower probabilities of suffering from osteoarthritis, in comparison with sedentary subjects or runners of large volumes and intensities.

To conclude and from my point of view everything is based on the execution of a correct technique and loads in their proper measure. Much worse is to lead a sedentary life and you may have more chance of osteoarthritis.