#KneeHealth

Is running really bad for your knees? For decades, runners in Thailand and around the globe have worried that pounding the pavement might slowly wear out their joints, setting the stage for arthritis and chronic pain. But new scientific evidence and recent expert insights are flipping this narrative on its head, suggesting that running may be not only safe for your knees, but could actually strengthen them and reduce your risk of osteoarthritis—if done correctly and with mindful preparation.

Recent studies and international health news have placed a spotlight on the growing challenge of knee pain among older adults—and the practical exercises that can help. As Thailand’s rapidly aging population faces rising rates of osteoarthritis and mobility limitations, simple, accessible exercise routines offer hope for improved quality of life and long-term joint health. In April 2025, new media reports and expert commentaries from India’s Hindustan Times, along with a round of recent research, emphasized five approachable exercises shown to improve knee strength and function in seniors. This is especially significant for Thailand, where family and community structures are strained by chronic knee problems, contributing to lost independence and spiraling healthcare costs (Hindustan Times; Medical News Today; PubMed Study 2025).