The cure for knee pain: Running backwards

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Oct 24th 2008 7:00PM

Categories: Fitness

I love to run but I have to keep my jogs to a minimum. Why? Knee pain. The rest of my body loves the thrill of running but my knees often cry out in protest, meaning I can only run once a week, maybe twice if I'm lucky.

Over at Fitsugar, they've come up with a novel tip to reduce knee pain caused by running: Run backwards. According to Runner's Rescue, this is called retro-running and in several recent studies, it's been shown to effectively reduce knee pain in runners. How does it work? It helps build and stretch your quadriceps and hamstrings to ultimately improve stability.

It doesn't sound easy, but practice makes perfect. Be sure to go slow, and alternate which way you turn your head to look behind you so you don't strain your neck.

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Comments (4)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

wanghai 10-25-2008 @ 3:03AM

i was writed blog in http://frbloglibre.com/ usually

lesley powell 10-25-2008 @ 7:13AM

I have been playing with running in different directions. I tried running many years ago and had knee pain. Definitely has helped. I also use some mobility exercises of the joints from Dr. Eric Cobb. Plus my pilates practice.

Joe Hrdlicka 10-26-2008 @ 3:31PM

This is a helpful tip. As a "knee injury survivor," the value of the stretching I learned through physical therapy was particularly important for me. I wrote a series or entries on injury recovery in early October at http://coachhrd.blogspot.com.

Doug 10-28-2008 @ 8:19PM

I have walked for 6 hours a day, for over 20 years carrying mail and was up to 40 ibuprofen each week just to keep doing my job. I am now 60 and pain free with my real knees. I found that a nutrition drink called Monavie worked wonders for me and others. I can give you info personally but can't link to it here.

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