Introduction

“When you have knee pain, what is the right way to walk?”

This is a common question from people with knee osteoarthritis. Especially, whether you should land on your heel first when walking. Let’s break it down from a professional perspective.

1. Normal Walking Involves Heel Strike

In a healthy state, walking usually starts with the heel touching the ground first. This “heel strike” helps distribute body weight smoothly across the foot. However, this is true only when joint function and muscle activity are normal.

2. Walking Is Automatic – Consider Why Heel Strike Is Difficult

Walking is an automatic movement, controlled by CPG (Central Pattern Generator) and medial motor control systems in the nervous system.

If you feel you can’t land on your heel, there might be underlying reasons such as pain avoidance, limited joint mobility, muscle weakness, or sensory issues. Instead of thinking “I must land on my heel,” it’s more important to ask why you can’t.

3. No Need to Force Heel Strike – Walk Naturally

Forcing a heel-first landing can put extra stress on your knees or hips. Since walking is an automatic movement, the key is to walk naturally without pain.

If you’re concerned about your gait, improving posture, joint mobility, and overall body balance can help.

In Conclusion

“Not landing on your heel” does not mean “wrong walking.” What matters is a natural, pain-free gait that fits your current condition. At our clinic, we help address the root causes behind knee pain and restore balance to your body. Feel free to consult us anytime.

#Kyoto #Kyoto Osteopathy Center #Osteopathy #Chiropractic #Pain

#Numbness #Paralysis #Posture #Walking #KneeOsteoarthritis #KneePain #Gait