The ‘“My Knees Won’t Let Me Run” Run + Knee Pain Clinic

Why Running ISN'T Bad for Your Knees

Debunking the Myth: The Truth About Running and Your Knees

For decades, a single idea has kept countless people from enjoying the freedom of running: the belief that the repetitive impact will inevitably destroy your knees. It's the number one reason we hear from customers who say, "I used to run, but I can't anymore because of my knees."

We're here to tell you: That belief is based on an outdated and incomplete understanding of how the body works.

This clinic is dedicated to debunking that myth with modern science and providing you with a new roadmap to happy, healthy running.

The Old Myth vs. The New Science

The old, antiquated thinking was simple: running creates impact, and impact wears down cartilage, leading to arthritis. It viewed the knee joint like the sole of a shoe—something that simply wears out with use.

However, a growing body of scientific research has turned this idea on its head. The new science shows that our bodies are adaptive systems, not just mechanical parts.

• Running Can Strengthen Cartilage: Your knee cartilage is like a sponge. The cyclical loading and unloading from running helps pump synovial fluid (the joint's nutrient source) in and out, which can actually help keep the cartilage healthy, thick, and more resilient.

• Runners Have Healthier Knees: Multiple large-scale studies have shown that recreational runners have a lower rate of knee osteoarthritis compared to their sedentary counterparts. The greatest risk factor for knee arthritis isn't running—it's inactivity and obesity.

• The Body Adapts: From bones to cartilage to muscle, the body responds to the stress of running by getting stronger. It doesn't just wear down; it builds up.

So, If Running Isn't the Enemy, What Is?

If running itself isn't the villain, why do so many runners experience knee pain? The pain is real, but it's often a symptom of an underlying issue, not a direct result of the act of running.

At our clinic, Dr. Hoogland from On Track Physiotherapy will dive deep into the real culprits behind most running-related knee pain:

• Muscle Imbalances: Weak glutes, hips, and core muscles can cause your running mechanics to break down, putting excessive strain on the knee joint.

• Poor Form & Biomechanics: Overstriding, a slow cadence, or other form issues can dramatically increase the braking forces and impact on your knees.

• Improper Footwear: Wearing the wrong type of shoe for your foot and gait can disrupt your natural movement and create stress up the entire kinetic chain, right to your knee.

• Training Errors: The classic "too much, too soon." Your joints and muscles need time to adapt to increased mileage and intensity.

This clinic is your first step to stop blaming the run and start empowering the runner. You will leave not only understanding why your knees hurt, but with a clear, actionable plan to do something about it. We can't wait to help you rewrite your story.