A new study has found that runners who wear typical, modern running shoes do more damage to their hip, knee and ankle joints than running while barefoot or wearing high-heeled shoes.

Researchers studied 68 healthy female runners with an average age of 37 years old. They provided each of them with a typical running shoe and collected data on their joints using a motion analysis system while they ran on a treadmill with the sneakers and barefoot.

They observed increased joint torques at the hip, knee and ankle with running shoes compared with running barefoot.

Researchers say that while the typical construction of modern-day running shoes provides good support and protection for the foot itself, one negative effect is the increased stress on each of the three lower extremity joints. These increases are likely caused in large part by an elevated heel and increased material under the medial arch, both characteristic of today’s running shoes.

Running is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. It is also believed to help fight stress and depression and boost immunity. Among the most common injuries associated with running are shin splints, muscle sprains and joint pain.

According to RunnersWorld.com, nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can help reduce joint pain.