Dead right. After an arthroscope on my right knee, my orthopedic surgeon advised me not to run at the gym (or anywhere else) any more
NEVER, NEVER run on a treadmill anywhere (other than doing a stress test).
When tread mills came into wider use in the early 1970s they were hailed (by the then 'elite' sports programs & coaches) as being a major step forward in fitness and strengthening. Running in air-conditioned comfort when outdoor conditions would prevent it etc etc.
Then within a few years across virtually every sport (team or individual) there were forced retirements by the hundred month after month around the world. The issue - knee, hip and ankle damage.
Fast forward three and a bit decades...
Now we see 'fitness' centres crammed with tread mills as well as other fitness machines.
However, professional or serious amateur athletes virtually never use them as 'in the ranks' it is known that anything but short occasional use of treadmills causes adverse muscular-skeletal issues.
When running naturally (not on a treadmill) your centre of gravity and hip position, foot position etc constantly change angle as well as the ground surface varying slightly.
On a treadmill - your hips, centre of gravity etc are nearly locked in place and the natural (almost rolling) motion of your gait is removed.
All the stress relief due to the changing c.o.g. is lost and invariably each person's weakest link (ankle/knee/hip) bears the punishment.
Toss in playing rugby/netball for a little too long and your joints haven't a chance.
