Technique for walking downhill?

Q. Hi,

Do you have any technique advice for coming down the hills.

I am starting to get heel pain after walking.

The boots I have are Mendil Burma with a normal insole.

Regards

Rob Cesh, Lancs

A. It's easy to assume that walking up the hills is going to be the most difficult aspect of a day's walking.

However, it doesn't take long to realise that walking down the hill can also be quite challenging and - if approached in the wrong way- can increase the risk of joint damage particularly in your knees and ankles.

Long downhill stretches are frequently also undertaken at the end of a long day's walking when tired bodies (and minds) mean that slips and falls are often more likely.

See our article How to walk downhill for some suggestions on technique.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

A. Zig-zag where possible. This takes out the steepness & reduces the impact on your knees. If you cant help long descents, then regular breaks and stretching will help your joints, not sure what to recommend for heels though.

Rachel Baker, Cookham

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