[fansari31]

Hey guys. I've heard running is bad for your knees. First of all, I have perfect running gear and everything. I also just finished cross country season at school. I know I'm going to run more, but I've heard it's bad for your knees. Even if I still run with perfect gear and shoes, will I still damage/harm my knees. I just didn't want to have anything messed up or any problems when I grow up to be around 40+. I'm really healthy and fit, can you guys help me? Thanks.

[laurelb44]

running is not bad for your knees its how u run

[sweetsnickers]

Yes it is. But i think if you do all you can to keep yourself healthy it shouldn't hurt you. I think it hurts you when you don't have the right gear and have bad knees to Begin with.

[hott2trot555]

i run track for my school indoor and outdoor and ive never really had a problem but if you find you are having problems make sure oyou have good shoes that fit your feet. if you have a high arch make sure you have a good running shoe but if u have flat feet choose something with less of an arch. also make sure if u experience pain you ice your knee 30 min on 30 min off repeatedly. this well keep from hurting your muscles. AND ALWAYS STRETCH BEFOR RUNNING!

[virg922]

First off, you will be worse off at 40 = from LACK of exercise.an jostle joints. That said with proper form and gear you should be ok granted you dont over do it. Many marathon runners for example have to cut back mileage as they get injusred over the years. If you will ever get seriously hurt involves too many factors such as your gait, your weight and also your footstike to name a few.My advice is to start out moderate. 2-3 times a week running then maybe crosstrain another cardio form such as biking/swimming. Also don't contantly run on the same surface:vary it. Too much asphalt for aexample can cause problems in the LONG TERM. Always warm up and stretch.DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE how much some moderate weight training will help. Even a couple times a week with your legs to help strengthen the weight bearing joints. Just a little more strength will help the knee capsule for example absorb more of the impact. Keep your core muscles like your lower back/abs/glutes etc strong. This will in the long run protesct you.Read runner's world magazine or some thing to learn from.Remember, moderate. You may want more later but ease into it and learn your body and it's limits.

[Marie]

Hi I am 36 yrs old. I run 3-5 times a week, I have no idea how far I run, some days I push my self faster then others. Anyway I do not have sore knees, and if I do have discomfort I slow down a bit.