Recreational exercisers have a much lower incidence of knee replacements
than their non-exercising peers. One study from Finland showed that the more years a person exercised, the less likely he was to require a knee replacement (Rheumatology, Volume 40, 2001). Regular exercise
strengthens bones and joints and helps to prevent damage to the
joints.

Yet other studies have shown that former competitive
athletes have the highest rate of knee replacements. Athletic
competition requires a person to compete on preset days,
whether he is injured or not. Competition requires year-round
training and athletes hate to take days off, so they often train and
compete while injured.

It is amazing how many coaches and exercise instructors preach
mental toughness and the ability to exercise through pain, when
this kind of thinking often results in catastrophic injuries that
damage million-dollar athletes permanently. When a pain
worsens as you exercise, go home so you can exercise again
another day.

If you have damaged cartilage in your knee at any age, you need to protect that knee for the rest of your life. Running and jumping cause further damage, while cycling or swimming usually do not. When the knee hurts all the time, your doctor will check to see how much cartilage is left. When it’s gone, it’s time for a knee replacement.

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Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports — and the FREE Good Food Book — at http://www.DrMirkin.com

Tags: exercise, fitness, joint replacement, knee replacementexercise, fitness, joint replacement, knee replacement

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