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I subsequently went to an orthopaedic surgeon who looked at the MRI of my knee, and he recommended a knee brace, costing about $700. I now wear this brace on my daily walks, and I've had no pain since. I used panty-hose on that leg to stop any rubbing of the brace against my skin, so I've had no...
Good idea - I find it a nuisance having to empty out my pockets for coins etc when I go through the scanners. I know it's necessary, but... so if I take the brace on the Camino, I'll have to drop my daks and take the brace off!!
I came back from the Camino Frances with bad knee pain so I had an X-ray, went to an orthopaedic surgeon and he told me I had to wear a knee brace - an expensive contraption called a Donjoy OA Offloader.
Seems I'm bone on bone, and now having got the brace ($650 later!) it does definitely...
I lost a couple of kilos, that's all - but my constant companion was a block of chocolate, which I rationalised kept my spirits up because I had a lot of knee pain. I also regularly had two pilgrim meals a day! But I love Spanish food, and I never got sick once. Then again, I've traveled to...
Dear Stefania - thank you! Mid May to June will be a great time to walk the Camino Frances. And of course you'll make it all the way through. There is an energy on the Camino that gives you strength you don't know you have.
And delighted that you're enjoying the blog - it's attracted an...
Ah - that's where my orthopaedic surgeon, Dr David Wood resides. My previous specialist was Mervyn Cross, who started up that practice.
Can I ask, who did your operation? And how long did it take for our recuperation?
Bill
Dear Madidi - thank you for your very kind words!
I have something to work towards - the Camino Portuguese in April.
I do believe in the body's capacity to heal. Sometimes it just needs a little help though.... :)
Bill
That's very sweet of you ZgBird - thank you!
The blog was fun to do - and it helped me make sense of what I was going through at the time, and then afterwards.
If you enjoyed the blog, then you'll enjoy the book. I'm hoping that I'll be finished by the end of this month, and it will be on...
Yes, I thought so. Although I heard pilgrims confusing shin-splints with tendonitis on my walk.
You must have extraordinary strength and determination though - having done that mammoth bike ride. I'm sure you can overcome any adversity!
Bill
Bloody hell, that's scary!
Can I ask - what were your symptoms while you were walking? And where was the pain?
And are shin-splints the same as tendonitis?
Hi ZgBird - that's good to know. I've also heard of cartilage replacement. These things seem much more sensible than a full knee replacement, which surely must be a last resort only.
Bill
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