Is running on concrete bad for joints?
Onie Baumbach
2025-06-29 11:13:00
Count answers: 7
Frequently running on hard surfaces like pavement can cause injury and pain. However, some of the best long-distance runners avoid training on hard surfaces, as frequent pavement running can lead to injury over time. The risks of pavement running include that concrete or asphalt is the hardest, these surfaces create the maximum force. This force can significantly impact bones, tendons, and joints and may increase the chances of injury. Knee pain, for instance, is a common side effect of long-distance running. Other common injuries on pavement include shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, and stress fractures. The pressure applied by the knee can lead to soreness and tendon injuries in the knee and foot. Meniscus tears and tendon pain are also common. As concrete pavements are the hardest surfaces available, the force generated is much higher. Therefore, running several miles per day on such a surface increases the chances of injury.
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