Jogging or Running

Some misconceptions about jogging need to be addressed. Jogging or running is not for everyone with arthritis, but it has acquired a bad reputation among older people over the years, perhaps unjustly. When I was preparing to write this book, a professional colleague told me that he hoped I would not discourage people with arthritis from running. A runner himself, he had often been told that he should give up running because it would cause arthritis.

Some people suggest that running either leads to or worsens arthritis. Most of these theories are based on the fact that running does have a higher impact on the lower extremities than walking. While it is true that the impact on joints from running is considerably higher than from walking, there is little evidence that running by itself leads to arthritis. A few studies have examined the incidence of arthritis related to running, with findings on both sides. Those studies that noted an increased incidence of arthritis in runners found that high mileages and fast training paces appeared to raise slightly the risk of developing the disease. Some larger epidemiological studies have found previous joint injury, along with gender and obesity, to be the most predictive factors; they also concluded that running, jogging, and other strenuous physical activities did not increase the chance of developing arthritis (Morrow et al. 2002; Hootman 2002).

In fact, the relationship between the risk of developing arthritis and running appears to be a U-shaped curve. There is a slight increase in risk at high levels of running, but moderate levels may actually provide some protection'the other end of the curve shows an increased risk of arthritis from lack of activity. No evidence exists that individuals with arthritis who continue to run will accelerate their arthritis (Lane et al. 1987; Fries et al. 1994).

How Do I Get Started?

Do I Need Special Shoes?

What Does a Running Program Look Like?