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Faizan
Approximately 40 percent of all running injuries affect the knee, reports "Runner's World." The type of surface you run on may increase the risk of you being part of this statistic. Avoid concrete because it delivers the most shock through your joints with every step. Asphalt and treadmills, two other common running surfaces, can also be hard on some people's knees. Treadmills aren't worse than asphalt when it comes to your knees, and may, in fact, be slightly better when it comes to protecting these joints.
Each Surface's Merits
Asphalt's combination of gravel, tar and crushed rock, makes for a fast, predictable surface. If you're free of knee pain, you may even do your Achilles tendons a favor by running on asphalt. The hard surface prevents the tendon from overstretching, but can be tough on the joints. When it's too cold, icy, wet or dark to run outside, the treadmill is there for you. It features a smooth belt with no potholes or undulations to trip you up. Most treadmills offer a cushioned surface that is easy on the joints, including the knees, but the level of cushioning varies by model and quality.
Comparing the Two
Asphalt is quite hard and each step can jar your joints, especially your knees. "Runner's World" advises against running on asphalt if you've recently suffered knee pain or injury. The treadmill, especially highly-cushioned versions, may be a better choice. If you're rehabbing your knees from an injury, you can quit after a mile or two if you feel pain when you choose the treadmill. That's not so easily done if you're doing an out-and-back route in your neighborhood on asphalt.
How to Chose
As long as your knees are generally healthy, include both surfaces in your regular running workouts. Exclusively running on one or the other surface isn't recommended. Too much asphalt running can be jarring, and puts you at risk for muscle imbalances if the road is slanted or full of potholes. If you're training for an outdoor race, running exclusively on a treadmill doesn't prepare you adequately for competition. Even if you run just for fun and fitness, including different surfaces challenges your muscles in slightly different ways, making you a fitter and more skilled runner.
Either Can Make Knee Pain Happen If...
If your body is biomechanically prone to knee problems, running on a treadmill or asphalt could aggravate pain. People who pronate -- their feet turn in -- or who have weak quads, hips or glutes are vulnerable. Tight muscles, particularly the hamstrings and calf muscles, or a stiff illiotibial band are other potential causes. If you do suffer from knee pain, seek out soft surfaces such as grass or trails which may be gentler on your joints. If your knee pain is severe and lingers, consult your doctor to rule out a serious complication.
Each Surface's Merits
Asphalt's combination of gravel, tar and crushed rock, makes for a fast, predictable surface. If you're free of knee pain, you may even do your Achilles tendons a favor by running on asphalt. The hard surface prevents the tendon from overstretching, but can be tough on the joints. When it's too cold, icy, wet or dark to run outside, the treadmill is there for you. It features a smooth belt with no potholes or undulations to trip you up. Most treadmills offer a cushioned surface that is easy on the joints, including the knees, but the level of cushioning varies by model and quality.
Comparing the Two
Asphalt is quite hard and each step can jar your joints, especially your knees. "Runner's World" advises against running on asphalt if you've recently suffered knee pain or injury. The treadmill, especially highly-cushioned versions, may be a better choice. If you're rehabbing your knees from an injury, you can quit after a mile or two if you feel pain when you choose the treadmill. That's not so easily done if you're doing an out-and-back route in your neighborhood on asphalt.
How to Chose
As long as your knees are generally healthy, include both surfaces in your regular running workouts. Exclusively running on one or the other surface isn't recommended. Too much asphalt running can be jarring, and puts you at risk for muscle imbalances if the road is slanted or full of potholes. If you're training for an outdoor race, running exclusively on a treadmill doesn't prepare you adequately for competition. Even if you run just for fun and fitness, including different surfaces challenges your muscles in slightly different ways, making you a fitter and more skilled runner.
Either Can Make Knee Pain Happen If...
If your body is biomechanically prone to knee problems, running on a treadmill or asphalt could aggravate pain. People who pronate -- their feet turn in -- or who have weak quads, hips or glutes are vulnerable. Tight muscles, particularly the hamstrings and calf muscles, or a stiff illiotibial band are other potential causes. If you do suffer from knee pain, seek out soft surfaces such as grass or trails which may be gentler on your joints. If your knee pain is severe and lingers, consult your doctor to rule out a serious complication.
Posted in: Running
