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How is Running Linked To Osteoporosis

Running and osteoporosis are very closely linked, especially when it comes to female athletes. Running for prolonged periods on a regular basis often cause constant damage to the bones. Female marathon runners also have a higher risk as the constant strenuous exercise leads to lower estrogen levels which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterized by low bone mass, tissue degeneration and loss of bone tissue. It can lead to fragile and weak bones. People who suffer from osteoporosis are at a higher risk for fractured bones in the wrist, spine and hip. A person’s bone mass peaks at 30 years of age. After this, there is a normal physiologic loss of bone. Women are more susceptible to this disease than men. Particularly after menopause when there is a loss of estrogen from a woman’s body.

Women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass within 5-7 years after menopause. The disease is often thought to affect only elderly women but in actual fact, the damage starts much earlier on in life. Factors in one’s lifestyle such as smoking, drinking and excessive caffeine intake also promote bone loss. It is important to start early if you wish to protect your bones and avoid osteoporosis. Exercise and proper diet is essential right from adolescence if you wish to prevent osteoporosis. It is also important to continue this exercise throughout the rest of one’s life and this helps to delay bone degeneration. Keep in mind that regular exercise maintains bone mass. Exercise will help you to maintain your bone mass and at the same time, increase it as well. The younger you start, the more bone mass you will maintain.

Running is one such exercise that is excellent to build bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. Some doctors even prescribe running for patients who suffer from osteoporosis as it strengthens the bones and has other benefits too. If you are already a runner, you are at an advantage over other people. If you suffer from osteoporosis or osteopania, do discuss running with your doctor before you take up running. This is important so prevent any fractures you might be prone too. If you have already lost bone mass, then running can help you to preserve your bone health. It is patterns. Keep in mind that while running helps the bone mass in the legs, you will have to do other forms of exercise for the other parts of the body that are affected as well. Even short distance running will help you to prevent osteoporosis.

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