As an orthopedic surgeon, I am often asked if running causes arthritis. Pounding the pavement, mile after mile, for years- you would think it would cause wear on your hips and knees, just the way tires on your car are worn-out as the miles accumulate.

The scientific truth is that running does not cause arthritis. Runners are usually very glad to hear that statement until they hear my next one. Although running does not cause arthritis in healthy knees, if you have arthritis it will make things worse.

Running is a high impact activity generating forces five to seven times body weight on your knees and hips. If you have arthritis, it will accelerate the wear, damaging your joints further. If you have arthritis and are overweight pounding the pavement, you are even more likely to make the wear process worse.

So, if you're lower extremity joints are healthy, running is hard to beat as a cardiovascular or aerobic exercise. But remember, if you're overweight, you should get in shape to run rather than running to get in shape. This lessens the chance of overload related injury to your knees etc. If you have arthritis, especially in your knee, look for other lower impact alternatives to getting in shape or staying in shape.

In my next blog I'll review some the friendly aerobic routines for those with lower extremity (i.e. knee, hip, foot and ankle) arthritis.