In a quiet neighborhood in Beijing, Zhang Wei, a 55-year-old retired teacher, runs through the morning fog and on the community's playground every morning. For him, running is not only a workout, but also a way to enjoy and relax. However, in recent months, Zhang Wei has begun to experience an unusual pain, which originated in his knees. At first, he thought it was just normal fatigue after exercise, but as time went on, the pain gradually intensified, especially during the cold winter months, and every step seemed to remind him of the discomfort in his knees.
Zhang Wei's situation deeply troubled him. He loves to run, but he is also afraid that this constant pain is a sign of a certain condition. He had heard that running for long periods of time can cause damage to the knee joints and may even lead to arthritis. Moreover, his friends around him often say that "arthritis is frozen", which makes him even more worried about running in winter. Could it be that his years of insisting on morning jogging are really the culprit of his knee pain?
In search of answers, Zhang Wei decided to consult a medical professional. He wanted to know the truth behind his symptoms, and he also wanted to know if he could continue his favorite morning run. On the way to the hospital, his mind was filled with questions: Does running really hurt his knees, does the cold weather exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis? Zhang Wei waited for a clear answer from the doctor.
In Zhang Wei's nervous and expectant mood, he came to the hospital, ready to learn the true condition of his knee. The doctor examined Zhang Wei carefully and arranged a series of joint function tests. After the examination, the doctor walked in with a detailed examination report with a professional and peaceful smile on his face.
"Mr. Zhang, your knee joint is actually in good condition, but there are slight degenerative changes, which is normal at your age. As for your concerns about running, let me explain it first. The doctor began to explain the causes of arthritis in detail, and he mentioned that the arthritis is not entirely due to "freezing out" or running. The doctor mentioned a recent study that showed that moderate running actually has a protective effect on the joints, strengthening the muscles around the joints and reducing the burden on the joints.
Zhang Wei sat on a chair in the clinic, his eyes revealing a hint of confusion. He repeated in his mind the doctor's words: "Running is not actually the main cause of arthritis." This sentence was both a relief and the beginning of a new confusion for him.
"Should I continue running?" Zhang Wei asked.
The doctor smiled and began to explain in detail: "The key is how to run. Running itself is a good sport for the body, but in the right way. First of all, you need to choose the right running shoes to reduce the impact on your knees. Secondly, proper warm-up and stretching are very important, especially in winter. ”
Zhang Wei nodded, these were all details that he had overlooked before.
The doctor continued: "Also, we need to be clear – arthritis is not 'frozen'. Cold weather may make your joints feel more stiff and painful, but this is not directly related to the temperature directly causing arthritis. ”
"What about the pain in my knee?" Zhang Wei asked.
"Your situation is more due to long-term wear and tear and lack of proper protection. I would recommend some physical therapy and proper exercise intensity adjustment. The doctor explained, and at the same time prescribed some mild physical therapy options.
Zhang Wei's mood gradually relaxed. He realized that he didn't need to give up his hobby completely, but needed to approach it more intelligently. He started physiotherapy and adjusted his running style as recommended by his doctor.
After a few weeks, Zhang Wei noticed that his knee pain had lessened. He started doing light running, stretching after each run. He also found that with proper exercise and treatment, his joints were also less stiff and painful in the winter.
In the process, Zhang Wei also began to pay more attention to his diet and living Xi. He reduced his intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods and increased foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D to help reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
Zhang Wei not only felt an improvement in his body, but also gained a new understanding of running and health. He realized that health is not just the absence of disease, but also a process of actively adjusting and optimizing lifestyle.