Hiking Knee Pain on Dobongsan and Suraksan: Prevention and Treatment (Uijeongbu, Korea)
In short: Why knees hurt on the way down, how to protect them on northern Seoul's rocky trails, and what treatment helps.
Why descents hurt
Going downhill loads the kneecap joint several times body weight and challenges thigh muscles eccentrically.
Prevention
Use trekking poles, shorten your stride on descents, wear supportive boots and strengthen quadriceps and hips during the week.
Common problems
Patellofemoral pain, pes anserine bursitis, meniscus wear and flare-ups of knee osteoarthritis.
Treatment
Ultrasound-guided injections, nerve blocks, shockwave and rehabilitation exercise help hikers return to the trails.
Book: call 031-874-7500. Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 3F Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Korea, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2. Open Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–14:00. See directions and international patient help.
Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic
Address:
3F, Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
경기 의정부시 회룡로 181 유경빌딩 Ⅱ 3층
Subway: Balgok Station (U Line) Exit 2, 1 min walk
Hours:
Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00
Sat 09:00–14:00
Lunch 13:00–14:00 (weekdays)
Closed Sun & public holidays
Phone: 031-874-7500
English-friendly · Parking behind the building
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop hiking with knee arthritis?
Not necessarily. Many people continue with poles, gentler routes and strength training.