Debunking the Myth That Running Causes Osteoarthritis
• Previous joint injuries: Previous knee injuries, such as ligament or meniscus tears, can predispose individuals to OA later in life. The trauma from these injuries can accelerate the degenerative process in the affected joint. • Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the knee joints, leading to accelerated cartilage breakdown and an increased risk of developing OA. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of OA. • Joint misalignment or instability: Abnormalities in joint structure or function, such as malalignment or instability, can lead to uneven distribution of forces within the knee joint, contributing to cartilage degeneration and OA development. The bottom line is that running does not cause knee OA. At Total Performance, our therapists understand the risk factors associated with knee arthritis and will provide programs to preserve your joint health and reduce the burden of OA so you can keep running!
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility. While there is a common misconception that running contributes to the development of OA, numerous studies have shown this to be a myth. Running has various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and weight management, which support joint health. In addition, movement, including running, helps keep the cartilage in the knee healthy. Research has highlighted other factors that are contributors to the development of knee OA: • Age: Aging is the most significant risk factor for OA. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints naturally undergoes wear and tear, making them more susceptible to degeneration. • Genetics: Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to OA. Certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing OA in various joints, including the knee.
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9983113/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27519678/
Have You Met Your Annual Insurance Deductible? An insurance deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before your insurance company pays for your medical services. If your deductible is met, your physical therapy may not cost you anything. Patients with family plans or those who have had major surgeries or have a chronic illness are especially likely to have a $0 balance remaining on their out- of-pocket expenses. This means that the cost of physical therapy could be minimal or completely covered by the patient’s insurance plan. If you are close to or have met your insurance deductible for the year, then now is the time to come in for physical therapy! Are you feeling aches and pains? Need to work on your core? Let us help you get a head start for 2025.
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Dr. Austin Dressler giving a presentation on knee pain.
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