Serious question, how do you deal with knee pain after a long downhill hike?

I did the Maple Canyon descent yesterday and my knees are toast. The switchbacks were steep and loose, plus I wore old boots. Even with stretching, I can barely go downstairs today. What works for you guys to bounce back faster?

3 comments

3 Comments

ruby8042d ago

Ever tried just crawling everywhere for a few days? Sounds like your knees decided to go on strike after that hike. Next time maybe wrap your old boots in bubble wrap, might have the same amount of support. I just accept that going downstairs will now involve a lot of groaning and holding the railing for dear life.

nina_hall482d ago

Honestly that bit about holding the railing for dear life is too real. My left knee makes this awful pop sound now every time I go down a step after a long hike. I still feel it from a trail I did two weeks ago.

markj282d ago

The Appalachian Trail section I hiked in spring was over 20 miles in two days. My knees ached, but it felt like normal muscle soreness, not some major strike. Maybe the popping sound is just joints adjusting, not a sign of damage. I see folks talking like hiking ruins their knees for weeks, but most times it's just your body getting used to the work. If you're really in pain that long, maybe check with a doctor instead of joking about crawling.