Can continuous exercise cause long term health issues?
The benefits of exercise are comprehensive and substantial, physically and mentally. But there are health concerns you should be made aware of associated with high impact exercise. Evidence suggests the possibility that high impact exercise could negatively impact joint and back health. Minor injuries could occur. And in some people chronic conditions could arise.
Injuries to bones and muscles are possible with high impact exercise. The back muscles and discs, knees, and ankles may be at risk. Studies have not been definitive at present. But a possible link has been found associating high impact exercise and degenerative disc disease. Research has also found that at least one half of people that participate in high impact exercise, regardless of age, suffer minor injury once a year. And some individuals may experience chronic pain in joints.
There are preventative measures you can take to preclude chronic conditions from developing. Stretching before and after exercise is imperative, promoting flexibility and reducing strain. Strength training at least twice a week will keep the muscles strong. Wear appropriate shoes for the exercise and your foot type. Choose terrain that will lessen the impact on the body when possible. Proper posture and form during the exercise will limit strain and injury. Maintain body conditioning by exercising consistently.
If you have already developed a chronic joint or muscle condition or have experienced recurring episodes of pain, you don’t have to give up exercise. Visit your doctor for expert advice on preventing further injury. A sports doctor may be able to diagnose and treat exercise or sport specific conditions your regular doctor may be unfamiliar with. Reducing the impact on the affected muscles can be helpful. And remember to rest, ice, compress, and elevate (RICE) the affected part.
