Why does the outside of my knee hurt when hiking down hill?
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Pain on the outside of the knee while hiking downhill can be due to a few reasons. It may be a sign of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), which is common among hikers and runners. ITBS is caused by the tightening or inflammation of the IT band, which runs along the outside of the thigh and knee. This can lead to friction and pain, especially during activities that involve repetitive knee bending like hiking downhill. It's essential to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hip abductors, to help alleviate the pain. Additionally, ensuring proper footwear, using trekking poles for support, and maintaining proper hiking form can also help prevent knee pain while hiking downhill. If the pain persists.