An exercise physiologist says more injuries occur when walking downhill than uphill—here’s why and what you can do to avoid them

Woman in shorts and shirt walks down a hill in the countryside.

Walking uphill is tough. Whether you enjoy hiking and seek out inclines or just live in a hilly area, you probably find yourself reaching the summit sweaty and out of breath—no matter your fitness level.

But according to Milica McDowell, a doctor of physical therapy, it’s actually going downhill that could be the trickiest part of your walk, because this is where most walking-related injuries occur.