If you plan to hike this summer and want to avoid knee pain, a walking coach recommends following this four-week treadmill walking plan

Woman walks on treadmill in the gym.

If you’ve ever experienced pain in your knee when walking up or downhill, you’re not alone. In fact, there’s even a name for it: hiker’s knee.

“Hiker’s knee is a term commonly used for knee pain caused by repetitive stress during steep descents, excessive hiking, or weak supporting muscles," explains Ludgina Dieujuste, who’s a walking coach at WalkFit.