Thread: Running and jogging are often blamed for knee pain — here's how to prevent injuries

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Why do we associate running with bad knees?

Running isn't inherently bad for your knees — in fact, there's evidence it could actually be beneficial for them, says Christian Barton, a knee pain and injury management expert at La Trobe University.
"Our body is designed to take loads like running. We've evolved to do it, and in fact the tissues in our knees — the cartilage and the muscles — will become stronger from doing activities like running," Dr Barton said.



What knee problems can crop up when you run?

The most common knee complaint among runners is somewhat creatively known as "runner's knee".
The technical term for it is patellofemoral pain, that is, pain that's occurring because the patella (kneecap) and the femur (thighbone) aren't playing nicely together.



What about crunchy knees?

Plenty of runners (and non-runners) also notice crunching or popping sounds in their knees that might become more pronounced as they do more exercise.
While the sound can be off-putting, it's not a problem, Dr Barton said.



I want to be a runner. How do I keep my knees healthy?


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If running is a form of exercise you want to do, then go for it — slowly, advised Melbourne-based running coach Melissa Vandewater.
"A rule of thumb is 10 to 15 per cent increase per week," she said, adding that training programs like couch to 5K, which slowly progress from walking to running, were a good start.


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