hi all -- thank you for this forum, I've been reading around and learning lots! I plan to walk the CP from Porto starting in about 3 weeks. On my "training" hikes, I've been experiencing some very mild pain by my knee, seems to be from the tendons or ligaments to side of the kneecap (inner side). I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce the risk of this causing problems on the Caminho -- knee brace? Poles? Other?
More background -- I'm 56 and in good health. My right leg has always been weaker than the left -- I have a little bit of muscle imbalance on the right leg. I practice pilates to strengthen the leg, and I usually have no knee problems. I walk and hike frequently, and with no pack, I have no pain (at distances like 20 km). So I've never used poles or knee braces. However, for the last month I've been hiking with my full Caminho pack as practice. As I get up to 10 km or so, I start to get some minor twinges next to the knee. It goes away pretty easily, especially with rest. But I'd like to support the knee so it doesn't develop a bigger problem.
Since I've never had this problem before, I'm wondering about possible solutions. I am trying to keep my pack light, but am carrying a light sleeping bag and some warmer clothes for October weather. I've got it down to about 8 kg without water (I weigh about 72 kg). My husband and I have extra time, so we plan to take it slow and rest whenever needed (we can spend 3+ weeks on CP, when I understand it can be done in 10 days).
So in addition to 'go slow and rest', anyone have suggestions?
More background -- I'm 56 and in good health. My right leg has always been weaker than the left -- I have a little bit of muscle imbalance on the right leg. I practice pilates to strengthen the leg, and I usually have no knee problems. I walk and hike frequently, and with no pack, I have no pain (at distances like 20 km). So I've never used poles or knee braces. However, for the last month I've been hiking with my full Caminho pack as practice. As I get up to 10 km or so, I start to get some minor twinges next to the knee. It goes away pretty easily, especially with rest. But I'd like to support the knee so it doesn't develop a bigger problem.
Since I've never had this problem before, I'm wondering about possible solutions. I am trying to keep my pack light, but am carrying a light sleeping bag and some warmer clothes for October weather. I've got it down to about 8 kg without water (I weigh about 72 kg). My husband and I have extra time, so we plan to take it slow and rest whenever needed (we can spend 3+ weeks on CP, when I understand it can be done in 10 days).
So in addition to 'go slow and rest', anyone have suggestions?