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Hi Dave
please see several references below.
In addition the Sports Doctor who peer reviewed the Chapter assisted in simplifying some of the medical language. I don't claim to be an expert, rather to try and pass relevant Information.
The extract below is from "BackPacks, Boots & Blisters".
"I...
The chapter contains a lot more detail and was peer reviewed by a Sports Medicine Specialist whose focus is on minimising injury in athletes, including long distance walkers, marathon runners etc.
S Yates and D Hnatiuks book on Pilgrims Tips and Packing Lists also goes into this in detail on...
Thanks Dave
There is also a body of evidence that lack of dydration causes the fascia around muscles to become brittle. The body robs areas of moisture when short of water to keep vital organs functioning including the heart and brain etc. brittle fascia causes pain in shins etc.
There is some evidence that taking shorter steps reduces strain on the ankle etc allows you to place a foot flatter. I use walking poles and have learnt the hard way that waking more slowly is best. It’s not necessarily the first few weeks, it’s how you are after 4-6 weeks. The CF means around...
Hi Greg
as a fellow CPAP user I can assure you there will seldom be any hassles. For some places if you book ahead you can ask to be near a power outlet and this has always worked well.
One important tip, ask for a bed on a bottom bunk near the power. They will usually put a reserved sign on...
I had bad diarrhoea last year in Carrion and because of other health issues ended up in hospital for the day. Lots of tests. Doctors said nothing seriously wrong just a seasonal virus that comes each year. It was October. Others became sick before or at Carrion. My wife started vomiting a day...
Hello Jamieb
Not sure which Camino you will be walking. For what its worth I have seen many solo women walkers and they usually pal up for some stages with another woman or group including women. Ages ranging from early 20s through to 60+. It may be of interest that in 2018 the statistics show...
I have had two hospital visits spanning 5 Caminos. Each in emergency for the day only. Spanish medical staff were frustrated as I did not have a printed copy of medical history and current medication.
Now carry these details.
BTW the treatment and tests were first class. Just mention...
Hi
I went to a podiatrist and had my insoles custom made to offset two issues I have. One flat feet and the other loss of natural padding behind the toes, due to my age. The latter causes the toes to claw. The insoles have a raised section or bump to offset this. Need to have them sized for your...
Hi Erin
Twice I have had medical attention in Spain. Each time as a Pilgrim I was not charged. You said you were holidaying so this might have a bearing on this.
Thank you.
It just shows doesn’t it to be cautious. This is my 6 th Camino and only the second on the CF. Never too old to learn.
Buen Camino
Happymark
Thanks Martin
It is different to when I walked 5 years ago. Many paved surfaces on worn spots.
The Meseta even more magnificent in late Autumn
Buen Camino
Happymark
I recently had a day in hospital and the medical staff asked for my medical history and current medications.
As I have virtually no Spanish it was very frustrating for them as they tried to arrive at a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
I used Google Translate but not the same as having...
Hello to all on the Meseta
I am one of the unfortunate ones who caught this virus and had a day of tests in hospital. Mainly because of my age and prior surgery.
l now OK but need rest. The doctor said it is a seasonal virus and not related to the food or water as many think we’re the causes...
Hi Shaun
I have walked both the central and seaside routes out of Porto. Note the seaside is not the coastal route.
The seaside is flatter and has cooling sea breezes. I found it more enjoyable walking often on boardwalks than the central one without all the hills and cobblestone paths that...
Hi Gigipro
some people walk barefoot and others in sandals or five toe footwear. It is a matter of what you are used to. Reflect that 800 km is an average of 1,600,000 foot strikes so the feet, ankles, legs, knees etc get a lot of work and anything that can protect and in some cases cushion...
Hi Piero
This is interesting and not sure how long before it becomes automatic instead of having to consciously try and do so. How long did it take you?
What I read elsewhere to take shorter steps and place the foot FLAT on the ground to reduce the strain on ankles etc. I also practice waking...
Hi Richard
do you use a different tape for the toes compared to the ball of your feet?
I have heard people talk about different types of tape and having not used tape am not sure what would be best to buy.
Thanks
happymark
All great advice. Just one other factor is lack of water and electrolytes. When the body is short of water then areas are robbed to keep vital organs functioning. Easy targets are joints and the fascia which surrounds the muscles. The fascia becomes brittle hence pain in the shins. If it...
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