Does walking briskly for 40 minutes daily harm the knees?

Generally speaking, whether walking briskly for 40 minutes daily harms the knees depends on individual physical condition, exercise methods, and preparation activities. If there is knee discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If one is in good health, has no pre-existing joint injuries, warms up properly before exercising, maintains correct posture while walking briskly, takes moderate strides with smooth foot placement, and chooses soft-surfaced paths, walking briskly for 40 minutes daily typically does not harm the knees. On the contrary, it can strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and protect the joints.

However, if a person already has conditions such as arthritis or ligament injuries, or fails to warm up before exercise and uses incorrect techniques—such as taking excessively long strides, striking the ground too heavily, or walking briskly on hard surfaces—walking briskly for 40 minutes daily may easily increase stress on the knees, potentially causing pain or injury.

After brisk walking, stretching exercises should be performed; intensity should be adjusted according to personal comfort, and activity should be stopped immediately if discomfort occurs; appropriate footwear that provides sufficient support should be worn; and regular knee evaluations are recommended, especially consulting a healthcare professional beforehand for those with pre-existing conditions.