New concerns are cropping up that running long distances or regularly can cause problems with bones later in life.
The idea is that the shock to the skeletal system eventually takes its toll.
Is there any truth to this? In short, scientific evidence says no.
However, runners are taking heed to make sure they take precautions to make sure their skeletal system is better protected while running to ensure long-term health.
The Truth About Running
Tests with marathon runners and a control group done as part of a National Institute of Health (NIH) study showed there was no marginal difference in bone strength in the tibia and radius between the two groups.
There is also no significant difference in biochemical markers between the two groups.
However, the study also proved that exercise leads to higher blood osteocalcin levels. Osteocalcin is a bone-derived hormone that is secreted by blasts and leads to bone creation.
The testing showed there is validity to the idea that moderate exercise can lead to new bone production.
What Runners Say
Runners have concluded that any type of action can affect the skeletal frame, so caring for your bones is as crucial as warming up, protein drinks, and cooling down.
After all, some runners do have bone-related injuries. It’s reported that 10 to 15 percent of running injuries are shinbone stress, formerly called the media tibial stress.
Following the science, bones are similar to muscles in that they undergo stress and recovery during training.
That means some moderate stress is good because it causes those osteoblasts that replace old bone with new tissue.
Yet, you can overdo it and put too much stress on your bones, causing stress fractures.
What Can a Runner Do?
Some simple things can create a safe run that helps your bones’ long-term health.
Runners state keeping your training suitable for you and paying attention to your footwear helps protect your skeletal frame.
Re-evaluating your training routine will help you reduce your chance of bone injuries as well as improve your running experience.
