Orthopaedic Doctor Warns 10,000 Daily Steps Can Harm Knees as Experts Push Personalized Goals
Updated
Updated · Moneycontrol · May 15
Orthopaedic Doctor Warns 10,000 Daily Steps Can Harm Knees as Experts Push Personalized Goals
4 articles · Updated · Moneycontrol · May 15
Dr Anup Khatri said a 10,000-step daily target can worsen knee pain, strain muscles and aggravate lower-back or existing health problems in some people, rather than improve fitness.
Older adults, people with joint pain, heart conditions, chronic illness, breathing difficulties, recent surgeries, dizziness, chest pain or foot injuries should avoid pushing to that threshold without medical advice.
Khatri said walking still benefits joint flexibility, muscle strength, heart health and mental well-being when done gradually, with supportive footwear, hydration, warm-ups and breaks instead of 2-3 hours at a stretch.
For women especially, he said step goals should be tailored to age, fitness, pregnancy, hormonal health and joint condition, reinforcing a broader expert view that 10,000 steps is not a universal standard.
Could your daily fitness tracker goal actually be harming your joints without you even realizing it?
If the 10,000-step goal is a marketing myth, what is the real number science says you should walk each day?