Readers with particularly good memories may recall a post, 15 months ago, citing a Stanford study that proved, for once and for all, that running was not bad for our knees. That was then. Now comes research from the University of California, San Francisco, proving, for once and for all, that too much running in middle age may lead to knee problems, including meniscal lesions, cartilage lesions, bone marrow edema and ligament lesions.Science Daily reports on the study, which divided 236 people between the ages of 45 and 55 with no known knee problems into low-, middle-, and high-activity groups. The researchers found that later MRI analysis revealed a relationship between physical activity levels and frequency
and severity of knee damage. Cartilage damage was particularly apparent in those who had engaged in high-impact, weight-bearing physical activity, such as running and jumping.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Although I have played many sports that invovled a good deal of running (I even danced ballet), I have never really been a runner.
What I used to do was body build and powerlift on an elite level (national and above) and I can tell you that such will eventually eat your knees and other associated joints.
The reality is or seems to be that anything one does to an extreme level for a prolonged period of time may have disasterous results.
Doing things in a periodic manner where one goes to extremes, then lightens up, then takes a break and then starts the process again ( or any version and variation of the same) seems to work well physically, psyhcologically and emotionally.
The moral, as Aesop might say, is moderation intelligently applied.
I think that we need to be active for good health. If we listen to our bodies, by backing off when injured or when tired we can find an appropriate level of activity and in fat an appropriate sport.
I am a 70 year old male runner, now about 25 to 30 miles a week. Running works for me, while bicycling with drop handlebars is a problem for my back. I have been a runner since my late thirties, with some injuries when I have picked up my level of activity. Now that my intensity in running is reduced i have been relatively free from minor injuries and have had not problems with knee and cartilage breakdown.
The benefits of an active lifestyle include weight control, and maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system.
Stay active and find your sport.