How regular running can reduce joint inflammation

While the direct and indirect benefits of running are numerous and already known by us, new studies are throwing more light on how running goes on to benefit us in more ways beyond the known.  

We had done a story previously on how running positively affects the knee in long run. Now we have another research that has come out from European Journal of Applied Physiology which says that pro-inflammatory molecules actually go down in the knee joint after running i.e. running helps in reducing the joint inflammation.

In the study, the scientist measured the inflammation markers of knee joint fluid of several men & women in the age group of 18 years – 35 years. The researches found that the specific markers responsible for inflammation decreased in concentration in the subjects after 30 mins of running.  The researchers concluded that the running is chondroprotective i.e. exercise may help delay the onset of joint degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. 

In the past also we have had a study by National Center for Biotechnology Information, suggesting that running significantly reduced the injury risk to knee and also reduced the osteoarthritis and hip replacement risk in individuals. It further revealed that runners had half the incidence of knee osteoarthritis when compared to walkers.

Long distance running is an high-impact exercise specially on the joints, muscles groups and bones. Contrary to what many people think that this can harm the knees, it actually seems to make the knee joint stronger by thickening the cartilage (Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue around the knees – It acts as a cushion for bones at joints). Continuous impact from running also stimulates bone growth and strengthens the muscles around the knee, hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles.