my experience so far

[aoife.x]

I started my Camino 28th of may and I have to say it's not easy but it is doable, don't be scared because its so worth it. We all have ups and downs but the feeling you have within you is amazing. The first week was tough and I hurt my knees from the weight of the backpack even though it wasn't that heavey I never trained with it before I started and I had to send my backpack on after 2 weeks because my knees couldn't take it anymore. Since then I've been going really well and only took one rest day and I have only 9 days left if all goes well. I stared with my partner and we are still soldiering on together which is brilliant because it really dose test you. It's the best rollercoaster i have ever been on !!

 

[dougfitz]

Thank you for sharing this. I would be interested how much you were pushing out to keep up with your partner, and if so, whether you had discussed issues like that before you started.

 

[Mike Savage]

Well done, I hope it continues to go well for you guys.

Buen Camino!

 

[NualaOC]

Well done Aoife - and I hope you enjoy the final 9 days. You'll be going up and down a few hills, but they are all worth the effort!
Buen Camino to both of you.

 

[t2andreo]

Those of us with blown out knees (both of mine are) salute you!

Try applying Voltaren ointment each morning before starting, followed by an elastic tubular knee support. It works for me.

Volatren is available in ANY Spanish pharmacy. It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic ointment or cream that reduces pain and swelling. It contains paracetamol, so be careful if taking paracetamol orally as well. The dose is cumulative.

I hope this helps.

 

[Undermanager]

Turmeric and black pepper is the magic cure, for those of you who prefer the natural way. Google for the medicinal properties.

 

[movinmaggie]

Those of us with blown out knees (both of mine are) salute you!

Try applying Voltaren ointment each morning before starting, followed by an elastic tubular knee support. It works for me.

Volatren is available in ANY Spanish pharmacy. It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic ointment or cream that reduces pain and swelling. It contains paracetamol, so be careful if taking paracetamol orally as well. The dose is cumulative.

I hope this helps.

Do you know if they would carry KT tape in Spain? It's really the thing here for athletes sprains, inflammation, etc.

 

[Mike Savage]

Do you know if they would carry KT tape in Spain? It's really the thing here for athletes sprains, inflammation, etc.

I read in a different thread that they do not have KT tape in Spain. I have no personal experience.

 

[t2andreo]

I do not know about KT brand tape specifically. However, the pharmacists along the Camino have seen every manner of joint condition over the years.

I am confident you will find a European sourced equivalent product. Many of the products over there are actually much better than on our side of the pond.

I hope this helps.

 

[movinmaggie]

I do not know about KT brand tape specifically. However, the pharmacists along the Camino have seen every manner of joint condition over the years.

I am confident you will find a European sourced equivalent product. Many of the products over there are actually much better than on our side of the pond.

I hope this helps.

If anyone is interested, it's easily Googled. I'll get it here, just in case. The strips are small enough; won't add any significant weight. I overdid a training walk one day. That's when I had my first-ever knee issue. Not super serious, but enough to give me cause for pause. One day after the tape treatment with a sports specialist chiropractor, it was 98% better. I'm still training, but not overdoing. Thanks for your comment.

 

[aoife.x]

Thank you for sharing this. I would be

Thank you for sharing this. I would be interested how much you were pushing out to keep up with your partner, and if so, whether you had discussed issues like that before you started.

We said before we started we would sick together and if any of us felt the need we couldn't go on we would both leave together. I never felt i had to keep up with him if i had or problem or vise versa we would stop, sort it out have a rest and push on.

 

[aoife.x]

Those of us with blown out knees (both of mine are) salute you!

Try applying Voltaren ointment each morning before starting, followed by an elastic tubular knee support. It works for me.

Volatren is available in ANY Spanish pharmacy. It is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic ointment or cream that reduces pain and swelling. It contains paracetamol, so be careful if taking paracetamol orally as well. The dose is cumulative.

I hope this helps.

Thank you ☺
I got the knee support and the anti inflammatory cream it's really good and I probably wouldn't of got this far without it

 

[t2andreo]

Well, now I know all about KT Tape...neat stuff! I may try it for my knees. Both my knees' menisci were torn and needed bilateral trimming, before I lost 100 pounds.

As this cartilage does not grow back, I am left with near daily discomfort when I walk. Walking a Camino clicks that discomfort into pain. I usually walk with Voltaren ointment and an elastic support brace for each knee. It works.

But, will the KT Tape do a better support job that the elastic tube support? Do I need to use the vertical strips, as the videos show for all around knee support, or will just the two horizontal strips beneath the patella (knee cap) do the trick for my condition? My legs are very muscular and the only knee pain I have is directly related to the missing meniscus material.

Gee, I am asking a question on the forum. Ain't that rare? Go figure!

 

[movinmaggie]

Well I'm certainly not the expert, but if it were me, I would use what the video suggests. I doubt you can have too much tape. I'll be having another consult with my new chiropractor (he's in great demand here) and possibly get the tape through him, so I know I'm getting the right kind and how to use it. I can keep you posted on what he suggest, but it won't be until mid July when I see him.

 

[nalod]

Well done take it easy just enjoy.
Dermot

 

[CarlaH]

Well, now I know all about KT Tape...neat stuff! I may try it for my knees. Both my knees' menisci were torn and needed bilateral trimming, before I lost 100 pounds.

As this cartilage does not grow back, I am left with near daily discomfort when I walk. Walking a Camino clicks that discomfort into pain. I usually walk with Voltaren ointment and an elastic support brace for each knee. It works.

But, will the KT Tape do a better support job that the elastic tube support? Do I need to use the vertical strips, as the videos show for all around knee support, or will just the two horizontal strips beneath the patella (knee cap) do the trick for my condition? My legs are very muscular and the only knee pain I have is directly related to the missing meniscus material.

Gee, I am asking a question on the forum. Ain't that rare? Go figure!

Well, now I know all about KT Tape...neat stuff! I may try it for my knees. Both my knees' menisci were torn and needed bilateral trimming, before I lost 100 pounds.

As this cartilage does not grow back, I am left with near daily discomfort when I walk. Walking a Camino clicks that discomfort into pain. I usually walk with Voltaren ointment and an elastic support brace for each knee. It works.

But, will the KT Tape do a better support job that the elastic tube support? Do I need to use the vertical strips, as the videos show for all around knee support, or will just the two horizontal strips beneath the patella (knee cap) do the trick for my condition? My legs are very muscular and the only knee pain I have is directly related to the missing meniscus material.

Gee, I am asking a question on the forum. Ain't that rare? Go figure!

Well, now I know all about KT Tape...neat stuff! I may try it for my knees. Both my knees' menisci were torn and needed bilateral trimming, before I lost 100 pounds.

As this cartilage does not grow back, I am left with near daily discomfort when I walk. Walking a Camino clicks that discomfort into pain. I usually walk with Voltaren ointment and an elastic support brace for each knee. It works.

But, will the KT Tape do a better support job that the elastic tube support? Do I need to use the vertical strips, as the videos show for all around knee support, or will just the two horizontal strips beneath the patella (knee cap) do the trick for my condition? My legs are very muscular and the only knee pain I have is directly related to the missing meniscus material.

Gee, I am asking a question on the forum. Ain't that rare? Go figure!

hi, I have acute rheumatoid arthritis, almost no cartilage in both knees so walking more than 5km is painful...and if that wasn't challenging enough my collapsed arches in my feet hurt after an hr of pavement pounding... before my Camino last May my rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon both said I wouldn't manage to walk 30km let alone 800km... bully to them because I did it last year and have just got home after my 2nd...
I saw a physiotherapist last year who taught me how to strap my knees using KT tape...which worked really well last year. This year, again I strapped up my knees using KT tape... I also strapped up my big toes (hot spot friction, tape helped to prevent blisters), strapped up the undersides of feet near my toes and when I got jiggly pains running up my leg from my ankles, I taped that too... in bright blue Leukotape, which is available in most pharmacies on the Camino Frances route, my Spanish is limited, I'd just mention Leukotape to the pharmacists and voila.
In addition to this i had picked up a few tips on my 1st Camino....
* I use walking poles - PacerPoles, they're brilliant www.pacerpoles.com
* on steep downhills, I'm the nutter walking in a zig zag pattern rather than straight down
* on steep uphill I take smaller steps
* I drink a lot of water during the walk, it lubricates the joints
* I got a cortisone shot before I left and took Celebrex (prescribed by my rheumatologist just for the Camino walking)
Doing all of the above, I had largely pain free Camino's
...a note regarding the knee tube - I'd tried this once but didn't like the way it constricted the back of my knees, legs which is why I personally opted for the KT tape...

 

[William Garza]

I cant help but admire you wonderful..wonderfilled pilgrims!
The sacrifice you make for your hearts desires..amazing!
I was told by physio a long ways back to use unflavored gelatin to maintain joints..idk..what helped me,most was a knee brace with the metal joints to keep it stable.
May your steps be like the waves on the shore...
One after another in endless procession
Be Blessed!

 

[t2andreo]

hi, I have acute rheumatoid arthritis, almost no cartilage in both knees so walking more than 5km is painful...and if that wasn't challenging enough my collapsed arches in my feet hurt after an hr of pavement pounding... before my Camino last May my rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon both said I wouldn't manage to walk 30km let alone 800km... bully to them because I did it last year and have just got home after my 2nd...
I saw a physiotherapist last year who taught me how to strap my knees using KT tape...which worked really well last year. This year, again I strapped up my knees using KT tape... I also strapped up my big toes (hot spot friction, tape helped to prevent blisters), strapped up the undersides of feet near my toes and when I got jiggly pains running up my leg from my ankles, I taped that too... in bright blue Leukotape, which is available in most pharmacies on the Camino Frances route, my Spanish is limited, I'd just mention Leukotape to the pharmacists and voila.
In addition to this i had picked up a few tips on my 1st Camino....
* I use walking poles - PacerPoles, they're brilliant www.pacerpoles.com
* on steep downhills, I'm the nutter walking in a zig zag pattern rather than straight down
* on steep uphill I take smaller steps
* I drink a lot of water during the walk, it lubricates the joints
* I got a cortisone shot before I left and took Celebrex (prescribed by my rheumatologist just for the Camino walking)

Doing all of the above, I had largely pain free Camino's
...a note regarding the knee tube - I'd tried this once but didn't like the way it constricted the back of my knees, legs which is why I personally opted for the KT tape...

Carla:

THANK YOU! You provided a wealth of information, not just for me, but for the hundreds of other forum members who have one sort of knee-related condition or another. We sincerely appreciate the contribution and suggestions.

I already incorporate much of your walking style: poles, down-hill zig-zag style, and small steps going uphill. But, I am guilty of not drinking enough water.

On my 10-day walk from Porto to Sanitago in April, I actually fainted three times, albeit very briefly, from heat stroke. I had packed and dressed for a Camino Frances like environment. Until you get into Galicia, the Portuguese route is much warmer and drier. That was my own stupid fault. I learned my lessons, and will go forth humbled and more learned than before.

I am keen to try the KT Tape, but I am trying to figure out whether I need to use the vertical support, side strips, or whether the 2 horizontal strips just under the knee cap will provide adequate support to my meniscus cartilage. My knee ligaments and surrounding leg muscles are very strong.

Do you or anyone else know whether I need all the KT TAPE strips shown in their online video (www.kttape.com) for FULL KNEE SUPPORT, or whether the horizontal strips are adequate?

Thank you again for your help.

 

[CarlaH]

Carla:

THANK YOU! You provided a wealth of information, not just for me, but for the hundreds of other forum members who have one sort of knee-related condition or another. We sincerely appreciate the contribution and suggestions.

I already incorporate much of your walking style: poles, down-hill zig-zag style, and small steps going uphill. But, I am guilty of not drinking enough water.

On my 10-day walk from Porto to Sanitago in April, I actually fainted three times, albeit very briefly, from heat stroke. I had packed and dressed for a Camino Frances like environment. Until you get into Galicia, the Portuguese route is much warmer and drier. That was my own stupid fault. I learned my lessons, and will go forth humbled and more learned than before.

I am keen to try the KT Tape, but I am trying to figure out whether I need to use the vertical support, side strips, or whether the 2 horizontal strips just under the knee cap will provide adequate support to my meniscus cartilage. My knee ligaments and surrounding leg muscles are very strong.

Do you or anyone else know whether I need all the KT TAPE strips shown in their online video (www.kttape.com) for FULL KNEE SUPPORT, or whether the horizontal strips are adequate?

Thank you again for your help.

Hi - I strap up both knees, with the horizontal strip just under the kneecap and then both side strips - for me, it gave much more support. The purpose of the strapping at bottom and the sides is to keep your knee cap in the correct position - when there's a lack of cartilage or pronate feet (leaning inwards like I have too) the knee cap 'moves' about so that tape keeps it in place and the result is a reduction in knee pain. KT / Leukotape has a lot of stretch, is very adhesive (just don't touch the sticky side of the tape though) and does need to be applied correctly - there are heaps of videos available online but for me, to ensure I was strapping correctly for my needs / condition - I make an appointment with a physiotherapist, told them what I needed to learn from them and bought the correct tape from them too - there are some cheapie copies of this tape sold in South African pharmacies that just don't have the same grip / sticking qualities, so it's best to buy original branded tape - for me the Leukotape was superior to KT - had longer lasting adhesion. I buy the tape on the roll (more cost effective and I can cut to any length I need). I replace the tape every 3-4 days. Hope this helps

 

[t2andreo]

Hi - I strap up both knees, with the horizontal strip just under the kneecap and then both side strips - for me, it gave much more support. The purpose of the strapping at bottom and the sides is to keep your knee cap in the correct position - when there's a lack of cartilage or pronate feet (leaning inwards like I have too) the knee cap 'moves' about so that tape keeps it in place and the result is a reduction in knee pain. KT / Leukotape has a lot of stretch, is very adhesive (just don't touch the sticky side of the tape though) and does need to be applied correctly - there are heaps of videos available online but for me, to ensure I was strapping correctly for my needs / condition - I make an appointment with a physiotherapist, told them what I needed to learn from them and bought the correct tape from them too - there are some cheapie copies of this tape sold in South African pharmacies that just don't have the same grip / sticking qualities, so it's best to buy original branded tape - for me the Leukotape was superior to KT - had longer lasting adhesion. I buy the tape on the roll (more cost effective and I can cut to any length I need). I replace the tape every 3-4 days. Hope this helps

Yes, that helps. It is exactly the input I needed. Thank you!

 

[JillGat]

I am planning to start next May 20th. What has the weather been like for you?

 

[Tania Reano Veitch]

hi, I have acute rheumatoid arthritis, almost no cartilage in both knees so walking more than 5km is painful...and if that wasn't challenging enough my collapsed arches in my feet hurt after an hr of pavement pounding... before my Camino last May my rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon both said I wouldn't manage to walk 30km let alone 800km... bully to them because I did it last year and have just got home after my 2nd...
I saw a physiotherapist last year who taught me how to strap my knees using KT tape...which worked really well last year. This year, again I strapped up my knees using KT tape... I also strapped up my big toes (hot spot friction, tape helped to prevent blisters), strapped up the undersides of feet near my toes and when I got jiggly pains running up my leg from my ankles, I taped that too... in bright blue Leukotape, which is available in most pharmacies on the Camino Frances route, my Spanish is limited, I'd just mention Leukotape to the pharmacists and voila.
In addition to this i had picked up a few tips on my 1st Camino....
* I use walking poles - PacerPoles, they're brilliant www.pacerpoles.com
* on steep downhills, I'm the nutter walking in a zig zag pattern rather than straight down
* on steep uphill I take smaller steps
* I drink a lot of water during the walk, it lubricates the joints
* I got a cortisone shot before I left and took Celebrex (prescribed by my rheumatologist just for the Camino walking)
Doing all of the above, I had largely pain free Camino's
...a note regarding the knee tube - I'd tried this once but didn't like the way it constricted the back of my knees, legs which is why I personally opted for the KT tape...

Thank you for this post. Six weeks ago I tore my medial meniscus in my right knee doing something really careless. My knee has been locked up since and is extremely painful when I try to bend or straighten it. It will definitely require surgery to fix and I am on a waitlist. I am just happy that I as able to walk the Camino once in my life, but my future plans were to walk another and maybe another...who knows. Walking, trekking and pilgrimage are a big part of who I am and I have been very sad lately to think that I may not be able to walk another Camino. Your post has given me hope. Thank you!