I have a physical problem that prevents me from being able to descend steep terrain(ruined knee). I have made 2 attempts to hike the Appalachian Trail in the past 3 years, but had to leave the trail each time due to helalth issues. The last attempt failed due to a bad knee injury that may or may not be remedied by surgery. Without the surgery I can hike on flat, uneven, and hilly terrain with no issues. However, even though I'm able to climb steep ground, I have to "sidestep" down during descents relying heavily on my poles. I am wondering how much of the PCT, nobo, is going to be problematic regarding my knee status. I realize that the steep snow covered areas will have to be skipped, but want to know how much of the trail might be available to me. Is the southern end without many steep climbs? Trying to avoid the surgery as I live alone and recovery may be more difficult for me than others with support systems.