Ankle and knee support

[Chito]

This is my first time Walking the Camino. I am in my sixties and in good health. I just purchased the ASO ankle support brace and wondered if it's suggested that I also get something to protect my knees? Thanks

 

[Bradypus]

Do you have a specific joint problem which means that you need special support? If so then I would take professional medical advice before beginning. Most people walk the caminos without needing joint supports.

 

[Chito]

No joint problems at present. Thanks for your response. I suppose I could pick them up in Spain if I needed them?

 

[Bradypus]

I suppose I could pick them up in Spain if I needed them?

Should not be a problem. Farmacias are usually very well stocked and you would probably not be the first to ask.

 

[Chito]

Thank you

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I suppose I could pick them up in Spain

They will be expensive, and the choice will be limited to simple elastic supports. Actual medical equipment places are limited to the major cities.

 

[Felipe]

I you do not need support, don't use it. They interfere with the normal work of the joints, which can lead to its own problems. Try long walks (with backpack) and feel your body. And consult a specialist, they can discover hidden problems and recommend a suitable support.
For emergency non medical support, sport stores (as Decathlon) in Spain offer good, not very expensive choices. Only in main cities, evidently.
Buen camino
Felipe
(also in my sixties, and with a wobbly right knee...)

 

[rometimed]

There's quite a few towns/cities along the Frances route with foot health specific stores, which makes sense with so many walkers.

 

[OzAnnie]

This is my first time Walking the Camino. I am in my sixties and in good health. I just purchased the ASO ankle support brace and wondered if it's suggested that I also get something to protect my knees? Thanks

Hi Chito
For my 2cents worth .
Do you use walking poles ? They really are an asset. for knees, stability and overall. Give you that 'bit extra' help going up and act as a brake coming down. Steady you through the slippery bits too!
Many farmacias in Spain carry supports , although may not be specialised to the individual.
Keep in mind what your backpack will weigh if you take everything of the 'just in case' variety.
You really can buy in Spain 'almost' everything you may forget .
Buen Camino
Annie

 

[Devon Mike]

I would also recommend using poles as they take a significant load off your knees when used correctly. You should also make sure your pack weight is low.

 

[fostersail1]

I second, OzAnnie. Trekking poles, ibuprofen and an elastic knee brace packed in the bottom of my pack is what worked for me. And MOST importantly, keep the backpack weight down. 65 and still trekking.

 

[egar]

Another endorsement for trekking poles.

I don't have knee or ankle issues either, but did notice while training for my Camino that I knees/ankles could get sore. When it happened, it was usually due to long downhill or sidehill walks after I was already a bit tired. I think my walking form gets a bit sloppy when tired and I tended to tread a bit more heavily. Anyway, after trying out trekking poles and having them take a bit of the downhill and sidehill load, no pains!

They were a big help on the del Norte when I ran into downhills that when on-and-on for a couple of kilometers.

 

[Pruden]

You better use it for limited time ( let say 2 hours ), this just in case you really need it.
A real doctor or a good pharmacy would tell you , not to use if you can ( they make yor muscle or you joint and tendon lazy).
The remedy is is worst than the illness it self!
Burn Camino!

 

[Magnara]

And if you do develop a problem, be willing to stop and rest for a few days if necessary - it's not a race. A couple of times on my three caminos I have taken a bus or taxi to the next town and stopped to recuperate rather than push on in worrying pain and perhaps put an end to my camino. There are no rules, you do what suits you!

 

[David]

Agree with all of the above, especially not to wear a support all the time! If you do get a problem just slip it on before a big descent or climb and remove it afterwards.

The reasons pilgrims get ligament problems are pretty straightforward ... they don't do warm up exercises, they walk too far each day when their bodies aren't acclimatised to that, they walk too fast each day, their strides are too long, they don't listen to their bodies, and their packs are too heavy.
The Roman legions marched with very short steps, ridiculously short steps, and they were able to march long distances laden with kit (and two poles to build their night camp) day after day without harm - so short steps, not long strides!

The weight thing - try this. Stand up straight (no pack) and relax with your arms down by your sides and try to be aware of the front of your legs .. now turn your elbows out slightly and bend just slightly forward from the waist up - you will immediately feel all the muscles, tendons, and ligaments at the front of your legs, all the way down, go into tension - this is what happens when you wear a pack, as your body tries to counter the backward pull of the pack weight and maintain a centre of balance.
Ok, you have tried that? Did you feel that? Then this is why you really absolutely have to have a light pack because if all that is under stress before you have even taken a step then you are going to have ligament, tendon, shin splint problems - so pack light!! Or do the Aarn pack concept and have a bag at the front to balance the weight so you stand relaxed at your normal centre of gravity.

Buen Camino!

 

[Chito]

Hi Chito
For my 2cents worth .
Do you use walking poles ? They really are an asset. for knees, stability and overall. Give you that 'bit extra' help going up and act as a brake coming down. Steady you through the slippery bits too!
Many farmacias in Spain carry supports , although may not be specialised to the individual.
Keep in mind what your backpack will weigh if you take everything of the 'just in case' variety.
You really can buy in Spain 'almost' everything you may forget .
Buen Camino
Annie

Thanks Annie

 

[Chito]

And if you do develop a problem, be willing to stop and rest for a few days if necessary - it's not a race. A couple of times on my three caminos I have taken a bus or taxi to the next town and stopped to recuperate rather than push on in worrying pain and perhaps put an end to my camino. There are no rules, you do what suits you!

 

[Chito]

Thank you to all of you for your words of experience...