Musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremities are common among female college student-athletes (SA) in sports that require hopping, pivoting, and running.
But running isn’t always healthy for our bones. Bone density is a measurement of the mineral content in our bones—a way to tell how strong they are. It is true that impact exercises, such as running, are important to help keep our bones strong. But too much running can lead to bone weaknesses.
Bone density is maximized by about age 25. After that, you can only maintain what you have. This is very important for our younger athletes, females especially. Build your bone density while you can. One in every two women over age 50 is at risk of osteoporosis or weak bones later in life.
Nutrition is extremely important. Make sure you fuel your body with adequate energy for the amount of running you do. A normal menstrual cycle is also important for your bone health. If running is leading to missed or abnormal menstrual cycles, a physician should evaluate and address it. This can lead to loss of bone density. It’s important to understand that bone density that is lost can not be replaced. Failing to provide your body with the nutrients and calories it needs for daily function and running results in weak bones.
Running will help maintain bone health. But running too much or changing your training too quickly can be detrimental to bone health. Bone is living tissue. So, if you introduce running or an increase in your mileage slowly, bone can accommodate the impact and stress you’re putting on it. If not, the result will be a stress fracture or injury—a far too common but preventable injury in runners.
Remember: Bones are a runner’s best friend!
Dr. Elizabeth Matzkin is a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon in Boston, MA. Dr. Matzkin like Drs. Catherine Logan and Jared White specialize in sports medicine. She is one of the leading orthopedic surgeons at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She serves as the Chief of Women’s Sports Medicine and her clinical interests are focused on preventing and providing care for sports injuries. Learn more about Dr. Matzkin by visiting her website www.SportsMedBoston.com.
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