People who jog more than 60 km per week are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis in their hips, says a new study.

According to research conducted by the University of Heidelberg, the osteoarthritis that can develop is characterised by joint pain, which can be relieved by medication known as cox inhibitors. They block the effects of special enzymes - specifically Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes.

However, no problems arose in the long-distance joggers' knees, said the study by the university's orthopaedic clinic.

It also said people who jogged shorter stretches need not worry about developing arthritis. In these cases, there was no increased risk of arthritis in the knees or hips.