CSN-CommunityPost-Can Running Lead To Osteoarthritis?

Inadvertently running can lead to osteoarthritis. Running is an excellent exercise. It helps in increasing stamina and improving the overall person's health. However, injury during running is a common scenario. Numerous people believe in the fact that running can be the reason for osteoarthritis that bears body weight. Factors such as the speed of running or the quality of footwear you're wearing while running all limit chances of injuries.  Low-level or moderate runners are assumed to be a minor risk of osteoarthritis.

Both beginner and experienced runners should be aware that the body requires adequate or sufficient time to make a change in their gait. This change is caused by changing footwear. Maintaining great body mass, studying the right technique of running and improving strength and flexibility can help in limiting the number of osteoarthritis in runners.

 Orthopedic says that running is one of the leading causes of osteoarthritis. If you are not running accidentally, it improves the strength of cartilage and makes the knees stronger. However, if you start running accidentally without following a proper training program, it may cause injury and eventually lead to osteoarthritis.

The doctor mentions that only a person with healthy knees can run. If you start running slowly and increase your running speed as your body adapts to it, then it will not cause any injury. However, in case there is some sports injury, and you continue to run in pain, it may lead to osteoarthritis.

Causes of osteoarthritis

The deficiency of calcium and Vitamin D is one of the leading causes of osteoporosis. People who have rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid, or osteoporosis may have softer cartilage. If these type of people try to run unwittingly, it may cause osteoarthritis. The leading cause of osteoarthritis is age-related degenerative changes. Almost 80-85% of people between the ages of 60-65 suffer from osteoarthritis. It is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder of the joints. The osteoarthritis can also be hereditary wherein many members of the family can end up experiencing from the condition. The narrowed cartilage affected joint lead osteoarthritis. Additional causes of osteoarthritis include diabetes, obesity, hormonal disorders,  repeated surgeries, trauma, and abnormal joints at birth.

Lifestyle-related causes

Bones weakened because of dietary deficiency of calcium, and Vitamin D. Deficiency of Vitamin D leads to osteoporosis and early arthritis. Other lifestyle disorders, like lack of exercise, can also lead to osteoarthritis.

Treatment of osteoarthritis

Running is a useful exercise for people experiencing osteoarthritis. A person who has healthy and active joints will be able to run. A situation like osteoarthritis can be treated effectively by taking reducing weight, exercising,  sufficient rest, and diet control. These measures are specifically crucial for large and weight-bearing joints like hips or knees. A small reduction in weight can help in minimizing symptoms of osteoarthritis. Also, injected or oral medications can help in reducing inflammation in joints and pain. If a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D and exercise don't work, the final treatment of osteoarthritis is either a joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery.