No More Knee Pain!
Outdoor activities like walking or running offer numerous health benefits, but they can sometimes lead to knee pain, especially when tackling concrete surfaces. Interestingly, going downhill on grassy areas can actually be beneficial for your knees, as the softer terrain helps reduce impact. In this blog post, we will explore how to embrace the advantages of going downhill on grass while avoiding knee pain on level or uphill concrete surfaces.
Emphasize the Grassy Downhill Advantage:
Grassy downhill slopes offer a more forgiving surface compared to concrete, reducing the impact on your knees. Any time that you are walking or running, there is a large amount of eccentric force created through the leg. Eccentric force isn’t bad, but for those who aren’t used to the force, it can cause some pain. Going downhill greatly increases the eccentric force even more. This is why going downhill on grassy surface is such a useful tool in reducing pain. When considering being on concrete, stick to level or uphill surfaces for this.
Gradually Increase Intensity:
If you’re new to going downhill on grass or walking/running on concrete surfaces, it’s crucial to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. This approach allows your body to adapt and build strength, reducing the risk of knee pain. As mentioned before, eccentric loading isn’t inherently bad, but if your knees aren’t used to that type of loading, it can cause some issues.
Listen to Your Body and Rest:
Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you feel knee discomfort during or after an activity, take the time to rest and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries, so it’s essential to strike a balance between activity and rest.
One More Thing..
Going downhill on grassy areas can be an excellent way to enjoy outdoor activities while reducing the impact on your knees. Embrace the benefits of this softer terrain, but remember to maintain proper technique and footwear when encountering level or uphill concrete surfaces. Gradually increasing intensity will help you maintain pain-free outdoor pursuits as well. So, lace up your shoes, find a beautiful grassy slope, and let gravity be your friend as you savor the joy of moving outdoors. If you haven’t already, subscribe to our blog for more fitness and health tips for individuals of ALL abilities in life! Otherwise, you might also be interested in another article I created below, giving you a few more great exercises to tackle your knee pain.
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