Does Running Hurt Your knees Or Doesn't It?

Prevention—December 3, 2014

There's been a lot of back-and-forth on whether or not running makes you more prone to arthritis, especially in the knees, but new research suggests that pounding the pavement might actually protect your joints.

Past research has linked high BMIs with OA because excess weight puts more strain on joints. That doesn't mean you shouldn't run if you're overweight; you just need to be more careful.

Jordan Metzl, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, recommends strengthening the muscles around the knee and using foam roller exercises to alleviate tightness after runs. In fact, these are good suggestions for every runner, regardless of size. To strengthen, stabilize, and increase the range of motion in your knees, check out this simple 10-minute, at-home plan.

Read the full story at prevention.com.