• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Search results for query: *

  1. happymarkos

    How to Reduce the Risk of Shin Splints While Walking a Camino

    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...
  2. happymarkos

    How to Reduce the Risk of Shin Splints While Walking a Camino

    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...
  3. happymarkos

    How to Reduce the Risk of Shin Splints While Walking a Camino

    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.
  4. happymarkos

    Do you "push off" when you walk?

    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...
  5. happymarkos

    CPAP machine and plug ins

    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...
  6. happymarkos

    Food Poisoning in Carrion de los Condes.

    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...
  7. happymarkos

    Medical Alert Bracelet

    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...
  8. happymarkos

    Medical Alert Bracelet

    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...
  9. happymarkos

    Insole question

    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...
  10. happymarkos

    Hospital bill from spain

    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.
  11. happymarkos

    Take medical records and lists of any medications

    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
  12. happymarkos

    Virus affecting many in Fromista, Carrion de Los Condes

    Thanks and my flue shots are up to date. Doesn’t seem to keep viruses away of a different type. Oh well Happymark
  13. happymarkos

    Virus affecting many in Fromista, Carrion de Los Condes

    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
  14. happymarkos

    Take medical records and lists of any medications

    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...
  15. happymarkos

    Virus affecting many in Fromista, Carrion de Los Condes

    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...
  16. happymarkos

    Tendonitis and last minute route change

    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...
  17. happymarkos

    An "alternative" new (old!) modality of walking

    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...
  18. happymarkos

    An "alternative" new (old!) modality of walking

    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...
  19. happymarkos

    Preparation to avoid some feet problems

    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
  20. happymarkos

    Holy Hell! Shin splints?

    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...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top