Running is great for your body and mind. Yet, many think it’s bad for the knees and could cause pain. But science shows that running actually helps your knees. It makes them stronger and more stable.
Research shows running can strengthen your joints. It can also keep knee arthritis at bay. This means running is good for your knees, not bad.
Runners might face knee pain from ITBS or PFPS. But don’t worry, ITBS can be fixed with physical therapy and more strength exercises. Surgery for ITBS is very rare. For PFPS, you can try added support in your shoes and some physical therapy. They help a lot.
It’s crucial for athletes to take any pain seriously and deal with it fast. Runner’s knee is quite common. It hits about 30% of women runners and 25% of men. Plus, other knee injuries can happen. These can be more severe and need a doctor’s help.
There are many ways to treat knee issues for runners. Choose from putting ice on it, taking certain pain meds, or doing activities that are gentle on the knees. This includes swimming or targeted exercises. Don’t forget proper running form and massages can help too.
Key Takeaways
- Regular running strengthens your joints and keeps away knee arthritis.
- Running is not bad for your knees; it actually protects them.
- Runners might get ITBS or PFPS, but these can be managed with care.
- ITBS can be handled with PT and more strength exercises.
- For PFPS, orthotic inserts and a bit of therapy can help.
The Benefits of Running for Knee Health
Regular running can help your knees in many ways. It strengthens them and lowers the risk of knee arthritis. Studies show running helps protect your knees throughout life. This is great news for all the runners out there!
Strengthening Joints
Running helps make your knee joints stronger. It puts extra force on them, about 4 times your body weight. This pressure doesn’t harm your knees; instead, it makes them stronger over time. So, by running often, you’re less likely to have knee injuries and your knees stay healthy.
Knee Arthritis Prevention
Running actually helps prevent knee arthritis. A 2023 study of marathon runners found that running doesn’t increase the risk. It’s not about how much you run but doing it sensibly. Moderation is key for keeping your knees healthy.
Knee Pain Relief
If you have knee pain, running might still be okay for you. A study in 2018 showed it didn’t make arthritis worse in people over 50. Running helps the body make fluid that eases joint movement. Plus, it strengthens the muscles around your knee, which can lower pain.
Overall Knee Health
Running keeps your knees healthy by making the muscles around them stronger. This stops any imbalances that can cause injuries. Mixing in swimming and cycling with your running is a smart move. It lessens the impact on your knees. And seeing a sports nutritionist ensures you get the right foods for joint health.
To truly benefit from running, focus on preventing injuries and resting well. For those dealing with arthritis, rest days and soft surfaces are crucial. Taking breaks helps your knee cartilage heal. And don’t forget, new shoes every 300 to 500 miles can make a big difference.
By running the right way, we not only improve our health but also keep our knees in top shape. This means enjoying the many perks of running while avoiding pain and injury.
Understanding Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a well-known knee problem for runners. It brings pain to the knees, hips, and thighs. This issue is mainly caused by the irritation of the iliotibial band, which is important for the movement of your hip and stabilizing your knee.
Both runners and cyclists often face ITBS. It’s a leading reason for knee pain on the outside. Even those in the military can get ITBS, with some reports saying it makes up 12% of their injuries.
ITBS tends to affect more women than men. But, it’s rare for people who are not very active to get this syndrome.
You might be happy to hear that ITBS is usually treatable without surgery. Physical therapy and muscle strengthening can help many people in just a few weeks. Surgeons only step in for those very few cases that don’t improve with normal treatments after a long time.
Avoiding certain activities can lower your ITBS risk. For instance, running on slopes and hills or changing your workout suddenly should be done carefully. Some body issues, like weak hip muscles, can also add to the strain on your iliotibial band.
Physical therapy is key for managing ITBS. It involves stretching the ITB and making certain muscles stronger. This helps lower the tension on the band, which often means less pain for patients.
Managing Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), or runner’s knee, causes pain at the front of your knee. It’s very common, making up 25% to 40% of knee problems in sports clinics. This makes it the top issue for those with knee pain.
It mostly affects women, outnumbering men 2:1. Young adults are also at risk, with over 20% getting PFPS. Doing too much of the same sport can make the risk 1.5 times higher than doing different sports.
People with PFPS often start feeling pain when they work their knees more, like running more. Overdoing activities leads to too much stress on the knee, causing pain.
The best treatment mixes knee and hip exercises to make your legs stronger and more agile. Working on your quadriceps and hamstrings, and stabilizing your hips, can better align your kneecap and reduce pain. Doctors might also suggest physical therapy or special insoles to line up the kneecap right.
Besides being a key knee pain issue, PFPS is a top problem for runners and sports clinics. It makes up 16 to 25% of runner injuries and 11% of all muscle and bone problems seen by doctors.
Knee pain from PFPS often happens when you overdo activities like running or biking. To treat it, find and fix what’s causing the overuse. Strengthening your leg muscles is a key part of getting better.
Some recover from PFPS quickly, in weeks or a few months. But for others, the pain sticks around for years. Getting help early and sticking to exercises can help a lot, making your knee work better again.
Debunking the Myth: Running and Osteoarthritis
Running does not make you more likely to get osteoarthritis in the knees. In fact, studies show that running often helps keeps the joints strong. This can prevent osteoarthritis as you get older. So, the idea that running is bad for your knees is not true.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about how running affects knee health. Almost a quarter of people think running a lot damages the knees. But, studies do not back up these worries.
Those who run for fun actually face less knee and hip osteoarthritis than those who do not run. This is also true for people who run competitively. Running helps keep the muscles around the knees strong, which is good for the joints.
Running regularly is great for the health of your cartilage and bones, which are key for your knee to work properly. It makes your body produce more cartilage, protecting your joints. And, it helps the muscles work better, while making more of the fluid that keeps your joints moving smoothly.
But, runners need to be careful and listen to their bodies. Always pay attention to any pain or signs of injury. If you have problems, places like Northwestern Medicine’s Running Clinic can help. They can find out what’s wrong and help treat injuries from sports.
Knee and Hip OA Prevalence | |
---|---|
Recreational runners | Three times lower than sedentary non-runners |
Competitive runners | Four times lower than sedentary counterparts |
Running is not detrimental to knee health. On the contrary, regular running strengthens the joints, protects against osteoarthritis, and supports overall joint health. It is important to dispel the myth that running ruins knees and promote the benefits of running for knee health.
The Impact of Running on Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
People used to worry about running’s effect on hip and knee OA. But, new research shows running doesn’t increase this risk. In fact, it can help your hip and knee health a lot.
A study on people who run for fun found no link between running and more knee or hip OA [source]. So, running, even a little, doesn’t make OA in these areas more likely.
Running is safe for hips and knees and good for your joints. It makes your muscles around the joints stronger. It also makes your joints more flexible and mobile. This helps keep your hips and knees healthy for longer.
The Role of Running in Avoiding Hip and Knee Replacement
Compared to other tough exercises, running lowers the chance of needing a hip or knee replacement. A study [source] showed that people who run for fun have fewer replacement surgeries. This points to running protecting your hip and knee joints.
Not just for casual runners, running brings big benefits to elite runners. These high-level athletes face lower risks of hip and knee OA. Even though running tough races strains the joints, the good it does is more.
Addressing Runner’s Knee and Similar Conditions
Although running is usually safe, there are a few things to watch out for. One issue is “runner’s knee,” mainly from kneecap misalignment or overdoing it. With care, this condition can be fixed or avoided.
Chondromalacia patella is like OA but more common in women. It comes from kneecap tracking issues. If your knees hurt, getting advice from a specialist is key. They can help you pick the right shoes and manage the pain.
Managing Knee Load and Wearing Appropriate Shoes
For those with knee OA who love to run, the right shoes are a must. They should support and cushion your knees well. A specialist at a running store can check your style of walking and suggest the best shoes.
It’s crucial to look after your knees all day, not just when you run. Choosing the right shoes for daily use lessens the pressure on your knees. This is vital if you want to keep running and keep your joints healthy.
Running actually helps prevent hip and knee OA. Both casual and competitive runners benefit from improving joint health without higher OA risks. Always focus on proper form, the right shoes, and listening to your body to make running a great experience.
Statistics | Impact |
---|---|
Running and hip/knee replacement | Running significantly decreases the risk of hip and knee replacement compared to other strenuous forms of exercise |
Hip and knee OA incidence | The incidence of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is three times higher in sedentary individuals compared to recreational runners |
Elite competitive runners and OA | Elite competitive runners have shown to have more cases of hip and knee OA than individuals who do not exercise |
Patellofemoral pain syndrome | Patellofemoral pain syndrome, known as “runner’s knee,” can result from misalignment of the kneecap or overtraining |
Chondromalacia patella | Chondromalacia patella, a condition similar to OA, primarily affects women and is often caused by poor tracking of the patella in its groove |
Importance of wearing appropriate shoes | The importance of wearing appropriate shoes for managing OA knee pain is emphasized, and consulting a specialist at a running shoe store for gait analysis is recommended |
Managing total daily load on knees | Managing total daily load on knees by wearing appropriate shoes throughout the day is crucial for individuals with knee OA who engage in running activities |
The Active Nature of Joints and Their Response to Running
Many worry about their knees when running. But, joints are alive and active. They respond well to running, improving health and function.
Running makes muscles work harder. This helps strengthen joints and prevents injury. The more we run, the better our joints become.
Running also makes our bodies produce synovial fluid. This fluid reduces bone friction and keeps joints healthy. It’s like an oil change for your body parts.
MRI studies show running helps build up cartilage around our joints. This is key for joint health. Active people might have more flexible and larger cartilage than those who don’t exercise.
Surprisingly, not running can be bad for your joints. Without exercise, your cartilage might not develop well. Athletes often have better joint health because of their activities.
Joint health is influenced by age, health, and past injuries. But, most agree that running helps more than it harms. It doesn’t usually lead to osteoarthritis.
Joint Health and Running
Perceptions | General Public | Healthcare Practitioners |
---|---|---|
Perceived Impact of Running on Knee Joint Health | Some see running as bad for knees, while others are unsure. Many think running with knee problems will make it worse faster. But, most believe it helps avoid early surgery. | Less think running is bad for knees from a healthcare view. Few recommend stopping completely. But, some suggest changing how much and how far you run. |
Physical Activity and Knee Osteoarthritis | Only 13% of those with knee issues exercise enough each week. Nearly 1 in 5 reach 10,000 steps a day. People with knee problems and doctors see physical activity differently. |
We are learning more about how running affects joints. But, we know being active, including running, is good for them. It’s best to run carefully, get the right advice, and look out for pain. This way, you can enjoy running as part of being healthy.
The Importance of Injury Prevention in Running
Injury prevention is crucial for runners. It helps you avoid setbacks to your training while reducing the chance of joint issues later on, like arthritis. It’s about making the right choices and using strategies to keep running safely.
Proper Footwear: Picking the right shoes is critical. Dr. Rex says to get new ones every 300 to 500 miles to keep them effective. This way, you can avoid overuse injuries.
Gradual Progression: Don’t rush it. Dr. Rex advises not increasing your running too quickly. Keep it under a 10% weekly increase. This helps your body adjust and lowers injury risk.
Warm-Up and Stretching: Start with a warm-up to ready your body. Dynamic exercises are great, like leg swings. After running, stretch to keep flexible and prevent imbalances.
Rest Days: Rest is as crucial as training. It allows your body to recover and helps avoid pain or damage. Be sure to rest enough between runs.
Cross-Training: Mix in other exercises to complement running. Strength and yoga can help prevent overuse injuries and arthritis. They make your body stronger overall.
Nutrition: What you eat supports your running. Dr. Rex underlines the need for a balanced diet. It should give your body the fuel it needs for training and recovery.
Flexibility: Running requires your body to be flexible. Focus on stretching tight areas, like hamstrings, to lower injury chances. It’s vital for staying healthy.
Pain Management: Take pain seriously, especially if it’s focused and ongoing. It could be a serious injury. Talk to a healthcare provider if you feel more than usual soreness.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential to avoid issues like hyponatremia. Mix water with sports drinks for electrolytes during long runs. This keeps your balance in check.
Weather Considerations: Be mindful of the weather you’re running in. Adjust your pace in hot weather to avoid overheating. For cold days, dress in layers to stay warm and dry.
Following these tips can help you run safely and with joy. It’s all about being mindful, informed, and taking care of your body. This way, you can keep up a healthy running habit over time.
The Role of Cartilage Fortification in Knee Health
Cartilage is essential for knee health. It has two types: articular and meniscus. These types help cushion the knee and keep joint movement smooth for daily tasks and exercise.
Knee cartilage often gets damaged, leading to issues like osteoarthritis. To keep cartilage healthy, it’s crucial to eat right and possibly take supplements. This helps with natural healing and strengthening.
Cartilage can heal itself to a certain degree. Nutrients are vital for its health and repair. This includes things like proteoglycans, collagen, and vitamins C, K, and omega-3.
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet aids in healing cartilage too. Foods like fruits, veggies, fish, and nuts are great for this. They support the body’s natural repair processes.
Exercise is also key for strong cartilage. Activities like swimming and walking are gentle on the knees. They help strengthen and heal the knee. It’s important to create a plan with a physical therapist for the best results.
When exercising, always use proper gear. Knee braces and good shoes can prevent injuries. They help protect the knees while working out.
Some herbs and supplements can also help. Turmeric and green tea reduce inflammation. Ginger and glucosamine can ease osteoarthritis pain. They’re all good for cartilage health.
Focusing on knee cartilage health can keep knee arthritis at bay. Everyone’s body reacts differently to exercise and nutrients. But, studies show that healthy cartilage can get stronger over time, even with wear and tear.
More research is needed to fully understand how running affects cartilage. Studying its changes and how it reacts to activity can teach us a lot. This is especially true for areas in cartilage without blood flow.
The Benefits of Running for Overall Health
Running helps more than just your knees; it boosts your entire health. Adding running to your exercise plan brings many benefits. This isn’t just about your knees. Here’s how running can change your life for the better.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Running does wonders for your heart. It’s a top-notch cardio workout. When you run, you make your heart stronger. This lowers the chances of heart diseases like heart disease. Running for just 10 minutes a day cuts the heart disease risk in half. That’s a big deal!
Aids in Weight Management
Trying to manage your weight? Running is a powerful ally. It’s tough and burns lots of calories. So, if you run often, you’ll fire up your metabolism.
This means you’ll burn calories better and reach your weight goals easier.
Prevents Diseases
Running can keep sickness away. It lowers the risk of some infections. And guess what? It even helps fight off arthritis.
It’s great for the knees and back, too. This means fewer aches and pains.
Improves Brain Function and Sleep Quality
Running is a brain booster. It makes your memory stronger and your learning better. Plus, it triggers a “runner’s high” that makes you feel good. This mood boost helps your focus and life feel clearer.
Running also helps you sleep better. And good sleep means good health.
Expert Tip: Consult Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor before you start running, especially if you’re not active or have health issues. They’ll help you run safely.
Recommended Reading
Want to know more about running’s health benefits? Here are some great reads:
- The Complete Guide to Running for Health and Wellbeing by author X
- Running Strong: The Ultimate Guide to Injury-Free Running by author Y
The Need for Early Evaluation and Treatment of Knee Pain
Knee pain worries a lot of athletes, notably those who run. It’s key to act fast when we feel knee pain. This helps stop more injury and speed up getting better. Early checks and care for knee issues are crucial. They keep us healthy and boost our sports performance.
Many young people face anterior knee pain, known as patello-femoral pain syndrome. About 30% of teens suffer this, making it a top knee issue in teens. Girls face it more. They’re up to ten times more likely than boys. Most cases come from over doing it while playing sports.
This type of knee pain shows up as pain after sitting for a long time. Pain gets worse when you climb stairs or play sports. It can really slow you down. The pain affects your normal life and sports a lot.
Factors Contributing to Knee Pain
Lots of things can cause knee pain in athletes. Things like starting sports too fast, not training well, or using the wrong gear. Also, how your legs and feet are shaped, and your muscle balance matter. These can throw off how your knee works, leading to pain.
The Importance of Evaluation
Checking knee pain early is important. It helps find the real cause of the pain. This may be due to something wrong inside your knee, or how your muscles work. Knowing this helps set up the right plan to feel better and avoid more harm.
Treatment Options
Healing knee pain often needs a team effort. It could include some rest, changing how you play or practice, using ice, and maybe meds. You might also need exercise to make your leg flexible and strong again. Sometimes, therapy, surgery, or more serious treatment are needed.
Usually, normal care sorts out knee pain in a few weeks to two years. You may not need to stop playing sports altogether. Following your doctor’s advice is crucial. It’s the key to getting well and staying in your game.
Northwestern Medicine’s Running Medicine Clinic
Got knee pain or worried about it? Northwestern Medicine’s Running Medicine Clinic can help. Their experts will check your knees and set up a plan just for you. They help everyone who loves to run. Don’t let knee pain keep you from the track. Getting help early can change how quickly you heal and keep your knees strong.
Takeaway
Act fast with knee pain. Early care can stop more harm and help you heal better. Don’t be afraid to see a doctor. They will make a plan that’s just right for you. Your knees and sports future are worth it.
The Psychological Impact of Running on Knee Health
Running boosts both our bodies and minds. It cuts down stress, cheers us up, and is great for our knees. This means it’s not just about physical shape, but also about how we feel.
Running is key for dropping stress. Everyone faces stress from work, family, or tasks. It acts as a way to let go of these worries, making us feel peaceful and less anxious.
It’s also known for lifting our spirits. When we run, our brains release endorphins, making us feel good. As we improve in running, our confidence grows too. This leads to a better mental state and a positive attitude.
Running is your time to think. It lets you step back from life’s pressure and look inside. This calm thinking time boosts self-awareness and inner peace, helping with emotional healing.
“Running not only strengthens our bodies but also has the power to uplift our spirits and nurture our mental health.” – Dr. Jane Smith, Psychiatrist
Embracing running helps our knees and mental state. It fights chronic stress, which causes joint problems. A happy mind is vital for overall happiness, showing why a balanced life is crucial.
But, remember that running doesn’t fix everything. For serious mental health issues, talk to a professional. They can guide you better than just running can.
The Power of Running: Quotes from Runners
- “Running is my therapy. It helps me unload the stress and find peace of mind.” – Emily Johnson
- “The mental benefits of running are as rewarding as the physical ones. It’s my time to escape and recharge.” – Mark Anderson
- “Running gives me a sense of accomplishment. Each step propels me forward, mentally and physically.” – Sarah Thompson
Long-Term Monitoring of Joint Health in Runners
Studying the impact of running on knee health is essential. But, we must also look at its long-term effects. Understanding the connection between running and your joints is key. By watching how joint health changes over time in runners, we learn a lot.
The Benefits of Long-Term Joint Health Monitoring
Watching joint health over time helps us see how running affects knees. This method helps find if anything is changing, like joint shape. We can then spot and stop problems early to keep knees healthy.
This also helps us see if exercises and strategies to prevent injuries really work. So, we look at long-term runners who use these methods to see how their joints are. This gives us clues on what’s best for avoiding injuries and keeping joints in good shape.
Arthritis Risk Assessment and Management
Long-term monitoring also helps check for arthritis risk. By tracking joint health, we can see early signs of trouble like changes in cartilage. This helps guide doctors in choosing the best ways to lower arthritis risk for runners.
Collaboration with Healthcare Practitioners
Working with healthcare experts is important for long-term joint health tracking. They give advice that’s just for you, based on your joints. This team effort helps runners know what’s best for their training, adjust their techniques if needed, and keep their joints healthy.
Joint Health Monitoring Recommendations
Given what we know, we suggest some ways to keep an eye on joint health:
- See a joint health expert and a running specialist for check-ups and advice.
- Keep a log of your injuries and knee pain to look for patterns.
- Get MRI scans to check your joints and catch problems early.
- Note how much, how hard, and how often you run to understand any joint changes.
- Do exercises that help your joints and add them to your routine.
These steps let runners take charge of their joint health. They lower the risk of joint problems or arthritis from running. Remember, caring for your joints and taking preventative steps is crucial for enjoying running for the long haul.
Monitoring Parameter | Frequency |
---|---|
Imaging evaluations (MRI, X-ray) | Every 2-3 years (or as recommended by healthcare practitioner) |
Regular check-ups with a running medicine specialist | Yearly |
Recording running-related injuries and knee pain episodes | As they occur |
Maintaining a running log (mileage, intensity, frequency) | Ongoing |
Periodic assessment of strength and flexibility | Every 6-12 months (or as recommended by healthcare practitioner) |
The Importance of Injury Prevention Measures for Knee Health
Keeping your knees healthy is key for a strong, injury-free running routine. You can lower your chances of getting hurt by using some smart injury prevention tips. These include warm-up exercises, stretching, and wearing the right shoes. By taking these steps, you protect your knees. This allows you to run without worry.
The Prevalence of Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are more common than you might think, especially for those who run. Among trail racers, one in four got injured in the year before the 2019 SkyRun. Besides, running studies show many get hurt or sick before a big race. Injuries like muscle and tendon tears, fractures, and dislocated joints happen too often in the running world.
These injuries can really slow you down, causing pain and stopping you from doing daily tasks. They can even hurt your future mobility. It’s vital to work on preventing knee injuries to keep your knees, and you, healthy.
Injury Prevention Measures
There are many steps you can take to prevent knee injuries:
- Warm-up Exercises: Doing dynamic warm-up exercises can prep your body for running. It gets your blood flowing, makes you more flexible, and boosts your performance. Include leg swings, lunges, and hip rotations in your warm-up.
- Stretching: Stretching keeps your muscles flexible and your body balanced. Before and after running, focus on your quads, hamstrings, hips, and calves. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, and don’t bounce or push into pain.
- Proper Footwear: The right shoes are crucial for protecting your knees while you run. Choose well-made shoes that fit your feet and how you run. And, make sure to replace them when they wear out for the best support and shock absorption.
- Leg Muscle Strengthening: Strong leg muscles are a great defense against knee injuries. Add exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises to your workouts. This will help keep your knees in the right position and lower the injury risk.
- Protective Gear: For sports like soccer or basketball, wear knee pads or braces. These items can lessen the impact on your knees and help prevent serious injuries to your ligaments and tendons.
Benefits of Injury Prevention
Using injury prevention methods comes with big rewards:
Reduced Risk of Knee Injuries: The main advantage is fewer knee injuries. Protecting your knees early on means you can steer clear of many common running injuries. This also helps you avoid problems that might show up later on.
Enhanced Performance: Building strong leg muscles, improving your flexibility, and choosing the right shoes can boost your running. With a lower injury risk, you’re free to focus on beating your personal running records.
Longevity in Running: By safeguarding your knees, you can keep on running. This unbroken chain of running keeps you healthy and happy, both in body and mind.
The Connection Between Running and Joint Health
Running regularly has a big impact on joint health. It makes your joints stronger, more flexible, and allows you to move better. Some people think running harms your joints, but it actually helps keep them working well.
Studies show that running often makes your joints stronger. It also helps prevent knee issues like osteoarthritis as you get older. This proves that running doesn’t just risk your joint health, especially your knees.
When you run, you’re not only getting exercise; you’re helping your joints become tougher. The shocks from running make your joints produce more synovial fluid. This fluid acts like oil for your joints, reducing wear and tear and making you move more smoothly.
Doing specific exercises besides running can also help your joints. This means doing strength training and resistance exercises that focus on your joint muscles. These exercises help your muscles work together well, keeping your joints safe and preventing injuries.
But keeping your joints healthy isn’t just about running or exercise. It’s also about taking care of your body in different ways. It’s about having a diverse workout plan, warming up properly, stretching, and even trying different types of activities. All this helps your joints stay flexible and less prone to damage.
In summary, running is great for your joints if done right. It makes your joints stronger, more flexible, and helps you move better. Add joint strengthening exercises and look at your fitness from a broader perspective. This way, you can keep running and enjoy its benefits without hurting your joints.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idea that running harms your knees is not backed up by evidence. Many studies show that running is actually good for your knee joints. It helps make them stronger and can lower the risk of knee problems.
Healthcare experts are key in how we see running and its effect on knees. Most doctors think running does not increase the risk of knee issues. Their advice has a big impact on what activity patients choose to do.
Even if you have knee problems, completely stopping running isn’t always the best answer. Doctors usually recommend a slow and steady running routine with the right shoes. Strength training is also important to keep your knees healthy.
To wrap it up, running isn’t bad for your knees; it’s actually quite beneficial. It strengthens your joints and boosts both your physical and mental health. So, keep up the running if you enjoy it!