What is worse on your knees?

[FIGHT ON]

Hiking downhill vs. running/jogging on streets.

[AlanK]

I ran more or less every day for 40 years without knee trouble. I had some knee problems over the past year and a half, and I think it is more due to hiking-related issues. It's hard to tell, though, and I seem to be getting over it. I don't see why either activity has to be hard on the knees if one takes Harry Callahan's advice.

"A man's got to know his limitations."

[Mountaingoat]

Wow, 14560 days of running, that beats Forrest Gump!

You are an "animal"

Holy smokes, I'm impressed

The Goat, Berne Mettenleiter

[Hikin_Jim]

Hiking downhill vs. running/jogging on streets.

Depends on your genetics. My family has a history of bad knees. I started having problems in elementary school.

Personally, I think running is the harder, but only a research study can tell.

[whitneyfan]

The first mile of Vivian Creek going down (after the previous 16 miles) is torture on my knees. That ramp is so steep.

I always dread the return trip on any long hike because my knees cannot take the downhill slopes.

The trail past the waterfalls on half dome are also killer.

[phydeux]

Genetics probably do play a part, but also how you hike and run/jog will effect anyone over time.

If you're downhill hiking and gobbling up big miles with big, knee-pounding downhill strides you'll definately effect your knees - try nice casual walking (heck, its downhill in the forest; why would you be in a hurry to get back to the city?).

Running/Jogging on pavement will probably do the same over time. I had a friend who put in big miles in high school/college/post college and he's developed some pretty severe knee problems. Try jogging on any type of softer surface around your home area. Jog on grass, dirt, or sand (beach sand at low tide is great!). Better yet, mix up jogging with some other aerobic conditioning - my favorite is bicycling.