Is running on concrete bad for your joints?

Hard surfaces are innocent! A 2018 study showed that runners probably have half the rate of knee and hip arthritis than non-runners. 4 This generally undermines the popular idea that running is “hard on the joints,” and suggests instead that it’s actually stimulating adaptation, making joints tougher.

Is running on concrete really that bad?

The Bottom Line. When it comes to injury, researchers currently believe no single surface is better than another. Concrete, for instance, is hard, but it’s typically consistent. Asphalt roads often are cambered for drainage, while the unpredictability of many grass and dirt surfaces can cause instant injuries.

Can running on concrete hurt your ankles?

It doesn’t matter if you’re on smooth pavement or an uneven trail—one little misstep or incorrect landing can cause you to painfully roll your ankle. Even if you’re able to get right back on your feet, tiny micro-tears in your muscles and ligaments could add up over time to create a serious injury.

Is running on concrete bad for your hips?

Cons: Concrete is the least forgiving of running surfaces, according to Timothy Noakes, author of “Lore of Running.” When running on concrete, the ground doesn’t absorb any of the shock that travels through a runner’s feet, knees, hips and lower back. This can lead to an increased injury risk.

Is concrete bad for your knees?

Hard surfaces cannot absorb the pressure easily and so they reflect that energy back up into your joints. Concrete is one of the hardest surfaces to run on, which means most of the energy of your footfall is reflected back into your body with each step.

Is it better to run on concrete or a treadmill?

“Running on a stiffer surface like asphalt or concrete is going to provide more ground reaction forces, which can definitely reinforce your bones a little more than a treadmill,” King says.

Why do my legs hurt when I walk on concrete floors?

People who live for long periods of time on concrete floors may develop lower-leg pain as the feet fail to absorb the full shock of concrete to the joints. The muscles in the calves can become sore as they endure more impact than usual from the hard concrete, and knees may begin to ache.

Does running on concrete hurt your feet?

But running can take a toll. The repetitive strain on your body, starting from your feet all the way to your lower back, can cause aches and pains. This can be especially true if you run on hard surfaces, such as concrete.

What are the long term effects of walking on concrete floors?

Over time, the joints in the knees can become permanently damaged and arthritis may develop. Constantly walking on concrete floors is extremely hard on hip sockets. The hard landing on the concrete jars the joints in the hips, causing long-term damage such as arthritis or degeneration of the hip bone, and may necessitate hip-replacement surgery.

What are the pros and cons of concrete surfaces for running?

Pros: Concrete surfaces are smooth and regular. This will allow a runner to develop a rhythm. Cons: Concrete is the least forgiving of running surfaces, according to Timothy Noakes, author of “Lore of Running.” When running on concrete, the ground doesn’t absorb any of the shock that travels through a runner’s feet, knees, hips and lower back.