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Does Running Cause Osteoarthritis of the Knees in Non-Athletes?

Does Running Cause Osteoarthritis of the Knees in Non-Athletes? (0:42)

Regular running does not increase the risk of osteoarthritis of the knees in non-athletes: It may protect against the disease. Watch Robin Miller, MD, discuss the benefits of running.

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Does running cause osteoarthritis of the knees in non-athletes? No, in fact it may help. Over 2600 people who are on average 64 and half years old were studied in over two years. Of those, 22.8% were runners who experienced symptoms of osteoarthritis versus 29.8% of non-runners. Regular running doesn't increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis, and in the general population, it may actually protect against the disease.

What about if you already have osteoarthritis to begin with? You know, it probably doesn't make it worse. Although they haven't studied that yet, it probably doesn't. And if it keeps your weight down, it probably helps your knees. Get out there and exercise. Absolutely.