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Walking shouldn’t hurt
Published 6:00 pm Sunday, July 12, 2026
Walking is something most of us take for granted – until it starts to hurt.
Maybe your knees ache after a trip to the grocery store. Perhaps your hips become stiff after a morning walk, or your ankle bothers you every time you take the dog around the block. You might even find yourself avoiding activities you once enjoyed because the discomfort just isn’t worth it.
While occasional soreness after strenuous activity is normal, ongoing pain isn’t something you should simply accept as part of getting older.
Listen to what your body is telling you
Joint pain often develops gradually. At first, you may notice a little stiffness when you get out of bed or discomfort after a long day on your feet. Over time, the pain may become more frequent, or start limiting your daily activities.
Common signs that it’s time to pay attention include:
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Pain that lasts for several weeks
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Stiffness that makes it difficult to get moving
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Swelling around a joint
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Pain that returns every time you’re active
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Difficulty climbing stairs or walking longer distances
These symptoms can have many causes, including arthritis, tendon injuries, overuse, or previous injuries.
Small changes can make a difference
If you’re experiencing mild joint pain, a few simple strategies may help reduce discomfort:
- Stay active with low-impact activities such as walking, swimming or cycling
- Strengthen the muscles that support your joints
- Stretch regularly to improve flexibility
- Wear supportive footwear that fits well
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your hips, knees, and ankles
Staying active is often one of the best things you can do for your joints. In fact, avoiding movement altogether can sometimes make stiffness worse.
Don’t give up the activities you love
It’s easy to start adjusting your life around pain. Maybe you park closer to the store, skip your evening walk or decide not to join friends on a hike.
While these changes may seem small, they can gradually affect your health, independence and quality of life.
Whether you enjoy gardening, walking waterfront trails, exploring local parks, traveling or simply playing with your grandchildren, staying mobile helps you continue doing the things that matter most.
If joint pain is keeping you from living the life you want, an orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause of your pain and determine which treatments may help. Sarah Wright Aubin photo
When it’s time to ask for help
If joint pain is keeping you from living the life you want, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
An orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause of your pain and determine which treatments may help. In many cases, simple approaches such as physical therapy, medication, injections or lifestyle changes can provide meaningful relief. For others, more advanced treatments may be appropriate.
The important thing is knowing your options.
If walking has become uncomfortable, or you’ve
About Jefferson Healthcare
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary and specialty physician care.
Jefferson Healthcare’s Orthopedic Clinic has earned the prestigious Advanced Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from DNV, an internationally recognized healthcare certification organization, recognizing our exceptional standards in orthopedic surgery related to hip and knee replacement care. Learn more at JeffersonHealthcare.org.