A comprehensive examination of marathon runners found no clear link between regular running and an increased risk of arthritis. The study, presented at the Annual Meeting of an orthopedic association, adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that endurance running does not inherently damage joints. It provides reassurance to athletes and clinicians alike that staying active may be compatible with joint health, even for those who train at high volumes over many years.
Researchers from a major medical center conducted a detailed survey involving 3,804 individuals who registered for the 2019 and 2021 Chicago Marathons. The group had a mean age of about 44 years and an average running history of roughly 15 years, with most participants reporting five or fewer completed marathons. The study aimed to capture real-world patterns of training, injury history, and self-reported joint health to understand how long and how intensely people run relate to arthritis risk.
Among the participants, 7.3% reported arthritis in the hip or knee. Importantly, the analysis showed no statistically significant associations between arthritis risk and various running-related factors such as the total years spent running, the total number of marathons completed, average running speed, or weekly distance in kilometers. In other words, higher mileage or longer running careers did not translate into a higher likelihood of developing hip or knee arthritis within this cohort.
Instead, the study identified other factors that stood out as stronger predictors of arthritis risk. Former injuries to the hip or knee, prior surgeries in those joints, advancing age, genetic predisposition, and carrying excess body weight emerged as notable risk contributors. These findings align with broader orthopedic knowledge that structural changes, prior trauma, and metabolic or systemic factors tend to influence joint health more than generic activity levels alone.
The survey also shed light on medical guidance patterns. About a quarter of respondents reported receiving advice from physicians to reduce running, while half of those with arthritis were told to stop running altogether. This behavior reflects a conservative approach that some clinicians have historically adopted, possibly out of concern for cartilage wear in high-demand joints. Yet, the data from this study suggest that such blanket recommendations may not be warranted for all runners, particularly those without joint injuries or other risk factors.
Authors emphasized a key point: the prevailing notion that running inherently wears down cartilage may be overstated. As activity remains beneficial for many aspects of health, there is a need for nuanced medical counseling that weighs individual risk factors rather than applying a one-size-fits-all restriction on running. The authors hope the findings will prompt clinicians to reconsider routine advisories that discourage running and to instead tailor guidance based on personal injury history, age, body composition, and overall joint condition. This shift could encourage more athletes to maintain appropriate levels of activity while managing specific risk factors effectively.
In summary, the study supports a more individualized approach to joint health in runners. It highlights that arthritis risk is not simply a function of running exposure but is more closely tied to prior joint injuries, genetics, age, and weight. For runners who monitor their bodies, seek timely medical evaluation for joint symptoms, and follow evidence-based conditioning plans, running can remain a viable and potentially protective form of exercise. The researchers call for clinicians to integrate this evidence into practice, promoting balanced recommendations that support activity while addressing identifiable risk factors with targeted interventions.