Dana from Woodstock, NY asks: Is it bad for your knees to run seven days a week on the sidewalk? Dr. Arun Ramappa, Orthopaedic Surgeon, explains.
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If you are a regular runner, no doubt someone at some point has said to you that running is bad for your knees. More than likely, it was a non-runner. But there is plenty of evidence to say that the benefits of running far outweigh the risks, and that includes the effect on your knees.

Running is certainly not for everyone, but it is one of the most popular exercise activities and has many associated health benefits. It is a simple, low cost form of exercise that requires little equipment other than a good quality pair of running shoes and appropriate clothing. It is time efficient, easily fitting into a busy schedule, and can be very liberating. Speak to an avid runner and they will likely tell you that life would not be worth living without it.

When people say that running is bad for your knees, they are generally referring to its potential role in the development of OA (osteoarthritis). Running is often considered a cause of knee OA, both by the public and some healthcare practitioners. For the keen runner, this might be a cause for concern. However, it might actually be the case that knee OA is more common in non-runners!

This video should not serve as a replacement for professional health or medical advice.
Always consult a health professional before starting a new exercise or fitness programme.
Please stop and consult a physiotherapist if these exercises cause you pain.

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