🎧 Episode 1: The Truth About Running, Arthritis & Clicking Knees

Debunking one of the biggest myths in running — and exploring what the science really says about joint health.

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Is running bad for your knees and hips? It’s one of the most common fears among runners — and one of the most persistent myths in sports medicine.

In this episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson dives deep into the research behind running and osteoarthritis, exploring why running might actually protect your joints instead of wearing them down.

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You’ll also hear about what’s really behind those clicks and pops in the knees — and why they’re rarely a sign of something sinister.

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👉 Listen on Spotify

👉 Listen on iTunes

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🎙️ Episode Highlights

• The myth that running causes arthritis — where it started and why it persists

• What the latest research says about joint health and osteoarthritis risk

• The difference between recreational and elite running loads

• The science of cartilage adaptation and joint mechanics

• Understanding knee clicking and popping — when to worry, and when not to

• Key takeaways for runners and clinicians

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🔗 Resources & Links

• 💻 Blog: Is Running Bad for Your Knees?

• 💻 Blog: Is Running Bad for the Hips?

• 💻 Blog: Is It Normal for My Knee to Click or Pop?

• 📱 Follow Luke on Instagram: @sportschiroluke

• 🌐 Learn more & explore upcoming courses: www.healthhp.com.au

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📚 Referenced Research

• Alentorn-Geli, E., et al. (2017). Recreational running does not increase risk of hip or knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(6), 373–390.

• Andriacchi, T. P., et al. (2009). A framework for the in vivo pathomechanics of osteoarthritis at the knee. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 37(4), 493–502.

• Hunter, D. J., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). Osteoarthritis. The Lancet, 393(10182), 1745–1759.

• Lo, G. H., et al. (2017). Running does not increase symptoms or structural progression in people with knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Arthritis Care & Research, 69(12), 1832–1839.

• McCoy, G. F., et al. (1987). The significance of crepitus in the patellofemoral joint. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Br), 69(3), 536–539.

• Neogi, T., et al. (2013). Crepitus is not a risk factor for incident symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: The MOST study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 21(9), 1299–1305.​​