Hamstring stretching plays a critical role in long-term joint health because the hamstrings are one of the few muscle groups that cross two major joints—the hip and the knee. Tight hamstrings can pull on both joints simultaneously, creating abnormal biomechanics that place excessive stress on the hips and knees during movement. Over time, this increased mechanical load contributes to joint degeneration and can accelerate the onset of osteoarthritis. Additionally, restricted hamstrings alter pelvic positioning and lumbar spine mechanics, often leading to chronic lower back strain and spinal wear. Regular hamstring stretching promotes balanced alignment, reduces joint stress, and supports fluid movement patterns, thereby helping to prevent arthritis in the hips, knees, and lower back as the body ages.
