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| - Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that walking on cement roads can damage the knees. After fact checking, we found that this claim is mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “People who walk on cement roads and pavements are damaging their knees, which is why knee problems are rising, even in younger generations. Human legs were designed to walk on soft mud or earth, not modern concrete. Knee damage will happen gradually or rapidly due to hard surfaces.”
Fact Check
Does walking on cement roads directly cause knee damage?
No, not necessarily. Consistently walking or standing on very hard, inflexible surfaces like concrete is likely to contribute to stress on joints, including the knees. This is because harder surfaces offer less shock absorption compared to softer ground. Some experts suggest that prolonged activity on concrete can worsen existing knee pain or lead to discomfort over time. However, this doesn’t automatically mean that walking on cement will definitely cause knee damage in everyone.
Senior Physiotherapist Upma Lal, explains, “Cement roads or hard surfaces by themselves don’t cause knee damage in healthy individuals. What often leads to knee pain is a combination of factors—like weak leg muscles, improper footwear, poor walking posture, or excess body weight. In fact, regular walking can help strengthen the muscles around the knees and improve joint health. The key is to wear supportive shoes, walk with good posture, and avoid overstraining your joints.”
In addition, walking regularly, whether in the morning or evening, is a simple and effective way to manage weight. This helps lower the risk of several chronic health conditions. Some social media posts also suggest that walking barefoot on grass can improve sleep. While that may sound surprising, there is some truth to it.
Is the rise in knee problems in younger generations solely due to walking on hard surfaces?
No, this is an oversimplification. Although the type of surface we walk on can play a role in joint health, the increase in knee problems among younger individuals is likely due to a combination of factors. These can include:
Increased participation in high-impact activities and sports: Many young people are actively involved in sports and exercises that put significant stress on their knees. Injuries sustained during these activities are a common cause of knee problems.
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Sedentary lifestyles and muscle imbalances: Lack of physical activity can lead to weakened muscles supporting the knees, making them more susceptible to injury. Imbalances in the strength of different muscle groups around the knee can also contribute to problems.
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Obesity and increased body weight: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the knee joints, increasing the risk of pain and conditions like osteoarthritis, even at a younger age.
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Genetics and underlying medical conditions: Some individuals may be genetically more susceptible to certain knee conditions, or they might develop problems due to underlying medical issues.
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Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support or cushioning can increase the impact on the knees while walking on any surface, including cement.
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Physiotherapist Prachi Bharwani, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, clarifies, “It’s a common misconception that walking on hard surfaces like concrete is the main reason for rising knee issues in younger adults. The truth is, knee problems are usually the result of a combination of modern lifestyle habits. Many young people today spend hours sitting, whether it’s for work, studies or screen time, which weakens the supporting muscles around the knee. Add to that poor posture, lack of stretching and incorrect footwear, and it creates a problem. Hard surfaces may contribute slightly, but they are not the primary cause. Strength training, mobility exercises, moving more throughout the day, and choosing good quality shoes are far more important for protecting joint health.”
Did ancient humans only walk on soft surfaces, and are our knees not made for pavements?
Not really. While early humans did walk on natural ground, our knees have evolved over time to handle a range of surfaces. A 2010 study suggests they mostly walked on soft, wet ground—like the shallow edges of rivers, lakes, or seashores. These early humans lived in forested, humid areas near water, and often waded through it. The water helped support their bodies, making it easier to stay upright and balanced.
The human body is always evolving and has adapted to different terrains over time. So the idea that our knees aren’t made for modern roads is a myth. It also wrongly assumes that earlier lifestyles were always healthier, which isn’t supported by evidence.
THIP Media Take
The claim that walking on cement roads can damage the knees is mostly false. Walking on hard surfaces can be safe if done correctly, with the right footwear and form. Knee pain usually results from multiple factors, not just the walking surface. Regular walking, whether on pavements or in parks, remains one of the best low-impact exercises for overall health.
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