Knee Pain While Hiking in Colorado: Top 5 Causes & When to Get Help
Colorado’s mountain trails are some of the most scenic in the country. However, for many outdoor enthusiasts, knee pain can turn a beautiful hike into a painful struggle. Steep descents, uneven terrain, and long distances put added stress on the largest joints in the body. If you’ve experienced knee pain while hiking, you’re not alone, and it’s worth understanding what’s causing the discomfort and what you can do to find long-term relief.
At MD Pain, we treat hikers, runners, and active adults across the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs area who want to stay active without being sidelined by chronic pain. Below, we explore the top causes of hiking-related knee pain and explain how to reduce symptoms, protect the structure surrounding the knee, and know when it’s time to consult a specialist.
Knee Pain from Downhill Hiking
Descending steep trails places intense pressure on the front of the knee, especially around the kneecap. This can irritate cartilage and soft tissue behind the kneecap, a condition often referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome or “hiker’s knee.” You may feel a dull ache around the kneecap, especially after going downhill or squatting.
Over time, repeated pressure can cause inflammation in the internal structures of the joint, making every descent more painful than the last. If left untreated, it may begin to affect normal motion and even limit your hiking ability altogether.
Meniscus Strains from Uneven Terrain
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts like a shock absorber in the knee. Hiking across rocky or unstable trails can lead to awkward twisting or pivoting motions, increasing the risk of a meniscus injury. This type of injury can cause a sharp pain, stiffness, or a catching sensation when you bend or straighten the knee.
While some injuries may improve with rest, others can worsen over time. A physical exam and diagnostic imaging studies may be needed to determine the severity and decide if regenerative medicine could help restore normal movement and decrease pain.
Ligament Strain from Overuse or Missteps
Colorado’s high-altitude hikes demand a lot from your knees. A sudden misstep, misalignment during climbing, or simply pushing too hard can strain or one of the several ligaments that stabilize the knee, such as the ACL or MCL.
This type of strain may cause swelling, instability, or discomfort that worsens with weight-bearing activities. Ignoring early symptoms can lead to severe cases that require more involved treatment. At MD Pain, we evaluate each injury thoroughly, using your medical history, imaging, and hands-on assessments to create an appropriate treatment plan that supports healing without unnecessary procedures.
Bursitis from Repetitive Motion or Direct Pressure
Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae help cushion the knee joint, but repetitive kneeling or direct impact (like stumbling on a trail) can inflame them. This condition, known as knee bursitis, often results in swelling, tenderness, and pain when bending or pressing on the joint.
While bursitis typically affects hikers who kneel to tie their shoes, stretch, or rest on rough terrain, it can also be triggered by frequent uphill climbs that stress the joint. Blood tests or imaging can help rule out infection or other complications. Effective treatment often includes guided injections to reduce inflammation and restore comfort during activity.
Gout Flare-Ups and Inflammatory Joint Pain
Though often overlooked in active adults, gout, caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, can lead to severe attacks of knee pain, especially after long hikes in the heat or after consuming certain foods and beverages. The joint becomes hot, swollen, and intensely painful, sometimes overnight.
Gout can mimic other joint conditions, so it’s important to get a precise diagnosis through lab testing and imaging. Once confirmed, treatment focuses on managing inflammation and preventing future flare-ups that could affect movement and joint function over time.
Hiking in Pain? When to See a Knee Specialist in Denver
If knee pain lingers after your hike or starts earlier in each outing, it’s time to get to the bottom of it. You don’t need to live with pain or stop hiking altogether. Schedule an evaluation with a knee pain specialist if:
- Pain persists for more than a few days after hiking
- You experience swelling, locking, or clicking during movement
- There’s sharp pain with downhill walking
- You feel instability or weakness when bearing weight
- The pain wakes you at night or worsens with each activity
At MD Pain, we help hikers and outdoor athletes find long-term relief using a combination of advanced imaging, targeted injections, and minimally invasive techniques. Our experienced providers understand the demands of Colorado’s trails and design treatment plans that get you back out there stronger and more supported.
The MD Pain Approach for Hikers
Your knees weren’t meant to hurt every time you explore Colorado’s backcountry. With years of trusted service across the Denver area, MD Pain is here to help you get back on the trail without relying solely on rest or guesswork.
We start with a detailed physical examination, review your hiking routine, and look at factors like age, muscle support, and previous injuries. Using diagnostic imaging studies and a deep understanding of knee mechanics, we identify exactly where the pain is coming from and how best to treat it so you can hike longer, descend safely, and recover faster.
Contact MD Pain today to schedule a consultation with a knee specialist in Denver and start enjoying your adventures again.