gimpypilgrim
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- (possibly 2018)
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Oh what an excellent suggestion!May I suggest that you try it at home?
Good advice, Arthritis effects the joints of the majority of us as we age. The doctors seem all in agreement, that the answer is to keep moving.A significant number of walkers, and I would hazard to guess that a majority of regular members of this forum are over 50. Its not a rare few that can do this in there 60's, lots of otherwise average people manage it. However, it sounds like you have some unusual challenges to your health. May I suggest that you try it at home? Talk to your doctor first. Take a walk every day. Start slow and build up your endurance. It may take months, and you may have setbacks. See if you can, with a little training, get up to 6 km a day and not be in constant pain. You have the time to find out what YOU can do, rather than taking a poll or guessing.
Buen Camino
There are places to stop every 6 km on most of the segments between Sarria and Santiago. Don't over-match yourself, however! You can plan your trip here:
http://www.godesalco.com/plan/frances
There are some places where you would have to walk at least 10 km.There are places to stop every 6 km on most of the segments between Sarria and Santiago. Don't over-match yourself, however! You can plan your trip here:
http://www.godesalco.com/plan/frances
I was thinking about this thread as I walked 4 km to and from the grocery store, in my comfortable shoes, and I wondered what type of shoes you wear. I would be crippled if I wore the wrong shoes!
The absolutely first thing you must do is get very good shoes. I don't think they should be "hiking boots" at your level of activity, but they must be comfortable, supportive, reasonably sturdy, stable, and roomy. I think this means going to a sports department and trying on walking or trekking shoes until you find a pair that just feels best. Then, these are the shoes you should wear every day. With the shoes and your walking poles, you should be ready to go for a walk around the block every day, and consider increasing a bit every week.
Your problems with walking will not happen without a commitment and slow but steady effort. It might take months before you really know if you are progressing, but you need to be patient.
Good advice, Arthritis effects the joints of the majority of us as we age. The doctors seem all in agreement, that the answer is to keep moving.
Last year I had an MRI of my knee, the result showed a torn meniscus and arthritis. Surgery was prescribed, but postponed as I was leaving for the Camino. I did the Portuguese coastal route (Porto - Santiago), and a hundred miles of the Vezelay, France Camino. Used about five pain pills along the way. Had the surgery when I returned. All is well, I am training for the next Camino. I told my doctor, I didn't understand how I can walk miles up and down mountains feeling great, but I can hardly get up out of my chair. His answer, "classic arthritis, nothing to do for it, just keep walking." They can give you a cortizone shot, that will keep you pain free for the time of a Camino.
Lastly, good hiking boots help a lot. They should have a stiff shank, very little flex in the sole, a large toe box, and a good insert.
I am 79 and have walked over 1800 miles in the last 4 1/2 yrs on the Way of St. James & the Way of St. Francis. Starting 5 yrs. ago, my wife had zero hiking/backpacking experience or other sports activities. We trained and she has made all the miles shoulder to shoulder with me.
Start training easy and slowly build up the mileage. Stay positive, you can do it. We are rooting for you. Best wishes.
A significant number of walkers, and I would hazard to guess that a majority of regular members of this forum are over 50. Its not a rare few that can do this in there 60's, lots of otherwise average people manage it. However, it sounds like you have some unusual challenges to your health. May I suggest that you try it at home? Talk to your doctor first. Take a walk every day. Start slow and build up your endurance. It may take months, and you may have setbacks. See if you can, with a little training, get up to 6 km a day and not be in constant pain. You have the time to find out what YOU can do, rather than taking a poll or guessing.
Buen Camino
Oh what an excellent suggestion!
In addition to taking the "work up to 6 km/day all in one go" route, you can also try to figure out what pattern, exactly, might let you make 10 km a day. Is it walk 60 min/rest 30 min? Or walk 30 min and rest 60? Walk 2 hours and rest 1? It's amazing how far you can get if you take small segments and figure out your capabilities.
I find walking in the city and Is harder on feet as you are walking on concrete and tile and there is no 'give'. Rural trails are more forgiving. Try going for walks in parks, forests, country lanes, along river paths. I've recently had physio treatment using dry needling to treat tendinitis and I've seen a big improvement so talk to a physio and see if they can help. Has your doc talked about cortisone for joint pain? if not you should start the conversation. I recently completed Camino and along the way met a 93 year old, was going at her own pace, taking her time, and taking a taxi around big urban centres to avoid the hard sirfaces. I met a walker who has polio, another was using crutches. There's a big range of abilities on the Camino... and each person follows his/her own path. Please follow you dream and don't give up. One step at a time. I'm 60s and I plan to walk more Camino, at my own pace. Like others have said, we are all rooting for you. HugsHello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgery, and my doctor said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to the aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
Don't even think about your age! To me it is YOUNG and yet I have friends who never even reached 50!As long as you're alive, there's hope
Walk at home, a very little bit at a time. You don't say where you are from... In the UK you can go on Ramblers walks. You don't have to join, just turn up.
If you walk alone: Short walks to start with. Get yourself good, comfortable walking shoes, good socks, buy yourself some walking poles, they do help and ...off you go!
Don't even think about shopping malls, I can't do more than 30 mn in those and I'm done!
Give us more details so we can help. All the best. Feel free to PM me.
I find walking in the city and Is harder on feet as you are walking on concrete and tile and there is no 'give'. Rural trails are more forgiving. Try going for walks in parks, forests, country lanes, along river paths. I've recently had physio treatment using dry needling to treat tendinitis and I've seen a big improvement so talk to a physio and see if they can help. Has your doc talked about cortisone for joint pain? if not you should start the conversation. I recently completed Camino and along the way met a 93 year old, was going at her own pace, taking her time, and taking a taxi around big urban centres to avoid the hard sirfaces. I met a walker who has polio, another was using crutches. There's a big range of abilities on the Camino... and each person follows his/her own path. Please follow you dream and don't give up. One step at a time. I'm 60s and I plan to walk more Camino, at my own pace. Like others have said, we are all rooting for you. Hugs
Poles -properly used, they take a lot of stress off your joints.
Being able to call a taxi when needed can turn a 10km section into a 6km section, but there are always sections through forests that are not accessible by vehicle. So you would have to plan carefully.
"on most of the segments between Sarria and Santiago"There are some places where you would have to walk at least 10 km.
After an early, abusive sporting life I Found myself with early onset osteoarthritis in my right knee but if I manage myself well I can keep motoring (slowly) along! For pain management have you heard of or tried a Tens Machine? You can buy portable, battery operated units for well under $50 and they weight just 1/4lbs. I get great relief from that which lowers my intake of Pilgrim’s candy. Good luck and I hope you find your way to Spain!!
Lots of good practical advice here, @gimpypilgrim. As you can tell most of us are walking with something, and for many that something is pretty significant.
One thing to add: if pain is unavoidable, it'll help to train the mind as well as the body. MBSR was first developed at UMass Medical Center for helping people deal with chronic pain and it really works; there are plenty of places in the Midwest offering trainings.
This has already mentioned above but as I was reading down the posts my thought was to say to take a taxi when you reach your daily limit and you aren't where you want to be and then in the morning take another back to where you stopped. And remember, you don't always have to taxi forward; you could go back to a place you liked. Or you could taxi far forward to a five star hotel if you wanted. You may have to go to private lodgings for this though as regional/municipal/parroquial albergues may not let you stay more than one night and might not let you stay if you arrive in a cab.
Buen camino.
Some pilgrims do not use their poles in a very efficient way.
You can find help with a search engine and looking for "nordic walking technique" or something like that.
I do not know if your physiotherapist or your doctor has special tipps for the pole-usage for your special case... maybe just ask.
Several pilgrims have written in this forum that they could not walk the camino without poles. I think poles can make a huge difference... especially if someone is not really fit or has problems with his or her health.
And you can "jump back" with a taxi the next day if you want to walk everything.
Buen Camino!
Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
I'm another person who walks with pain - a fun combination of arthrosis and (seemingly) untreatable bursitis. My physiotherapist has helped me develop a training programme that has strengthenes the muscles around the bothersome joints, I take an antiinflammatory every day, and I have learned the difference between "bothersome pain" and "hey, this is destroying something".
It's amazing how much pain is actually acceptable to me if it allows me to walk yet another Camino...
Good luck!
I am another one still thinking about this thread. My advice would be to book all your accommodation in advance and the same with luggage transfers for your backpack all in advance. With your health problems I would recommend private accommation if you can afford it so that you get a good nights sleep. That would be two major things out of the way which means all you have to worry about is walking. If you have a booking it’s usually as long as you get there by 4pm it should be fine. If you leave at 8 am or even 9 am that gives you many hours for walking 2 km/hr and lots of rest breaks. I reckon it is do-able but it will depend on your will power and does assume no further health issues. As much preparation as you can do before the camino will help.
Take care and buen camino.
"on most of the segments between Sarria and Santiago"
I didn't note the time of year you're considering but that will impact things. If off-season you could well walk at least 10kms. If between April-Oct then the longest stretch without an Albergue is 8kms out of Portomarin [edit: Sorry, there is an 11.1km stretch between Arzua and Salceda without any lodgings], I believe. However, that said, there are so many people on that stretch during April-Oct that just because it's there doesn't mean there will be a bed available. That's where booking accommodations in advance would come in however then you are somewhat locked in to walking that distance which may be detrimental in your case if you're not feeling up to it. Back to the taxi ideaI'm a little confused - so you're saying that most of the time on the last 100 km I'd need to make 10km per day? Thanks.
As a doctor, my first thought is about whether you have consulted a consultant rheumatologist? If not, I'd suggest you have a look at this UK web-site for starters: https://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgery, and my doctor said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to the aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
No. I had reacted to the post that said that most of the time you would be able to find a place to stop every 6 km or so. I just pointed out that there are a few stretches where you would have to walk 10 km.I'm a little confused - so you're saying that most of the time on the last 100 km I'd need to make 10km per day? Thanks.
No. I had reacted to the post that said that most of the time you would be able to find a place to stop every 6 km or so. I just pointed out that there are a few stretches where you would have to walk 10 km.
I think that it will take more planning if you plan to use taxis a lot - making sure that you have a cell phone plan that will enable you to call from anywhere on the trail, perhaps researching taxi companies and pre-programming their numbers into your phone, etc.
I didn't note the time of year you're considering but that will impact things. If off-season you could well walk at least 10kms. If between April-Oct then the longest stretch without an Albergue is 8kms out of Portomarin [edit: Sorry, there is an 11.1km stretch between Arzua and Salceda without any lodgings], I believe. However, that said, there are so many people on that stretch during April-Oct that just because it's there doesn't mean there will be a bed available. That's where booking accommodations in advance would come in however then you are somewhat locked in to walking that distance which may be detrimental in your case if you're not feeling up to it. Back to the taxi idea
J.W.
As a doctor, my first thought is about whether you have consulted a consultant rheumatologist? If not, I'd suggest you have a look at this UK web-site for starters: https://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/
You're far too young to accept that "there is not a lot that can be done about it" !!! You need expert advice.
Thanks, we are not Olympians, and have our share of medical issues, but I guess we felt the call (and possibly the need) of the Camino at this point in life. When we started training our goal was to do the 100km, but as we improved we kept moving the distance back, ended doing the full 800km. The Camino has called us back a number of times now. A lesson I learned from my young Marine days, "we have so much potential both physical & mental, but seldom push ourselves to near our limit."Congrats to you and your wife for making the journey! And thanks for the advice!
It may take months
Hi @gimpypilgrim
Age is not an issue per se. I am 76 in January and I heard of an 83 year old when at La Faba (just before O Cebreiro).
The concept of starting little - just a few km a day and building on that as time goes by - is promoted by many above. And I support their proposals.
In my case it was four (yes 4) years training before I wss mentally and physically prepared.
I note your intention to do a Camino next year. You may care to rethink that.
Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)
I gulp a 50g Voltaren anti-inflammatory an hour before departure every morning.
Gerard
I am 57, weigh 300 pounds with 2 artificial hips, use a CPAP and am diabetic and just completed walk from Pamplona to Santiago last week. I am in Madrid now waiting to fly back to Texas.
Can you do it, well I guess only you can answer that but unless you have some extreme medical issue you most likely can do the last 100km.
Best of luck and do what you think you need to do.
Suggest start at say Sarria then that should be manageable any hillsides there are horses available and or local taxi but please check with Doctor first krHello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgery, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
One reason I was thinking of trying sooner than later is that as each year goes by, walking is becoming more painful and affecting more areas (the hips are the most recent joints to complain loudly!) - I'm afraid if I wait too long that the window of opportunity will close.
I have done the Camino twice in the last 3 years (to prove the first time wasn't a fluck!!) I am 62 with Parkinsons, I had my cartilage removed on my right knee and I have Achilles problems. If I can do it -so can you !! It is very daunting if you let it! Listen to your body and just go with the flow, don't put pressure on yourself with self doubt and you will find the miles melt away! Enjoy the experience and if you have to pull out......if you done your best you cant ask for more! "Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" - or in other words, you will always regret things you have not done in your life than the things you have! Buen CaminoHello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgery, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
Regarding the taxis, one tactic that might work for you is to get the cell number of a local taxi driver (with the assistance of someone at the hotel), and prearrange that you will be needing their services. Then use WhatsApp to send your location to the driver when you are ready to be picked up. Everyone in Spain uses WhatsApp and the location feature is extremely easy to use (the click of a button) and they can then use their map to come right to you.
I wish I had known this when I needed a taxi during my first camino and had to flag down a passing motorist to explain (in Spanish) where I was to the taxi dispatcher on the other end of the line! HA!
I also dealt with plantar fasciitis during my second camino and found some relief for the pain and throbbing feet by doing 5 min ice baths (as recommended by my massage therapist at home - she often suggests an ice bath after a particularly deep massage too). I always offered to pay for a bag of ice from the hotel bar, but they would just give it to me. A couple of times I did a 5 minute soak of my entire legs. Sitting in ice cold water is a different kind of pain, but that along with some ibuprofen helped with the inflammation to a certain degree, and allowed me to continue on the next day when it felt like I otherwise might not be able to. Just something to consider. I hope you find what will work for you!
That's really great info about the WhatsApp. I wouldn't have known about that otherwise.
Good to known that the ice worked for your plantar fasciitis. I've tried that occasionally, along with frozen peas, etc.
My doctor said that 99% of people get better after awhile, even with no treatment.
Millie's!!!! - Thank you.Hi Gerard, are you sure you meant 50 grams, as in 50,000 milligrams? The normal dosage is usually 50 to 75 milligrams. Just checking
Millie's!!!!
I'd better go edit that!
Peg just mentioned to me that it can be foggy and damp in the morning in Galicia. Passed on to you just in case that would affect your walking.
No. There is only one segment that is 10 km.I'm a little confused - so you're saying that most of the time on the last 100 km I'd need to make 10km per day? Thanks.
I only learned that about WhatsApp during my second camino ... it's very handy indeed!!
The icing didn't actually cure anything with my plantar fasciitis in that second camino, but it helped to lessen the pain during the days I walked. And I'm talking about submerging the foot in ice water for 5 minutes. It stings! But did feel good afterwards. My PF got worse after that 2nd camino, so much so that I had to cancel my planned 3rd short camino (and just spent 2 weeks traipsing around Galicia - not bad!). But then about 10 months after that it went away and I've been pain free (well, from that pain ... there are others!) since then. And after everything I did for PF treatments, I really think it was just time that fixed it. I had it about 12 years ago too, so I won't be surprised when it returns at some point.
No. There is only one segment that is 10 km.
I will be 70 next month. Lady ywar I walked from Leon to Santiago in 14 days. In July, '17, I did the Portuguese route starting in Lisbon. Yes, you can, but I would follow the suggestion of another and start practicing at home. I am a runner, 21 miles per week, minimum, but I still have to train to walk a Camino. There are definitely sections of the Frances you may want to avoid.Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
Perhaps someone can say if Pacer Poles are more likely to be usable by @gimpypilgrim. He might not be familiar with them and their unique design.
I don't use them. I'm happy with the ones I have - the convenient 3-fold style with handles and straps like ski poles - but if I had problems with my hands and arms or if I needed more support in other ways, I would certainly consider them. The difficulty is that they are only available by ordering from the UK, and they are not as compact as other poles. However, by all accounts, the company representative is extremely helpful and would probably happily discuss your particular needs and whether those poles would be suitable.Thanks, I'm not familiar with Pacer Poles (or any poles in general).
I don't use them. I'm happy with the ones I have - the convenient 3-fold style with handles and straps like ski poles - but if I had problems with my hands and arms or if I needed more support in other ways, I would certainly consider them. The difficulty is that they are only available by ordering from the UK, and they are not as compact as other poles. However, by all accounts, the company representative is extremely helpful and would probably happily discuss your particular needs and whether those poles would be suitable.
Search in the box at the upper right for "pacer poles" for very convincing testimonials, and look at the company's website here.
I'm sure other users will comment.
@gimpypilgrim - you've probably seen the new thread "Oldest Person to Complete the Camino????" - Sorry, I don't know how to attach a link to another thread...
J. WHello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
From reading your posts, it looks like you have to get your pain under control. Yes, this can be done partially by walking more and more each day; but, that can only do so much. From my experience, I traveled with prescribed pain medication. I couldn't have done the walk without it. I would speak with your doctor and see what can be done to help deal with your pain issues. Now I am taking Tramadol,
50 mg. (low dose). On my Camino, I was taking low dose Hydrocodone, as needed. I am not trying to push drugs here, I can't take non prescription anti-inflammatory medications due to stomach / intestinal issues. By taking the prescribed medication, as needed, I was able to accomplish part of something I had dreamed about for a long time. Please speak with your doctor, talk about your dreams and what you would like to accomplish.
Of you bike the Portuguese coastal path is pretty flat. If you walk you can send your bags ahead.I have rheumatoid arthritis and walking anymore than 5km gives a lot of foot pain, however I've just cycled 800 or so km across the Camino with zero pain as there is little or no impact on the feet.
Perhaps that could be an option for you to think about.
Cheers and good luck
We walked with no preparation in our early 50's. A few days of soreness and you're good to go . It's walking and not really hiking. Rest days if you need them. Plenty of towns, villages ,coffee, wine. Lots of options. Lots of people older than you. Don't sweat it...all will be fine. Don't overplan, don't book except night 1 in SJDP. You'll figure out along the way whether or not you you prefer albergues or plain hotels etc. and how long you like to walk. EnjoyHello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
J. W
Get one of the guide books they show exactly how far it is between the various villages, towns, and cities listing all the accommodations in each .... you shouldn't have any problems I walked my first at age 65 and have done 6 others since Hoping to do the La Plata 1000 km next at 70 or 71
I don't think that age is gimpypilgrim's issue, it's a painful condition that makes walking difficult. I'm 10 years older than the OP and had no issues, but I'm not dealing with the same physical problems.We walked with no preparation in our early 50's. A few days of soreness and you're good to go . It's walking and not really hiking. Rest days if you need them. Plenty of towns, villages ,coffee, wine. Lots of options. Lots of people older than you. Don't sweat it...all will be fine. Don't overplan, don't book except night 1 in SJDP. You'll figure out along the way whether or not you you prefer albergues or plain hotels etc. and how long you like to walk. Enjoy
We met a lady walking that section in 2012. Her shortest day was 2km and her longest was 8km with her accommodation booked ahead. She aimed to walk about 5km per day but actual distance was dictated by the accommodation - a mix of B&B and private albergues etc."on most of the segments between Sarria and Santiago"
Yes. And the OP has explained that he has difficulty and pain when walking doing ordinary daily activities. Very different situation from usual.It's walking
J.W.Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
I walked about 40 miles of the Camino from end of May into June. I only had three weeks to "stroll". I just turned 67, have lots of Arthritis, two knee replacements, and lots of pain. My plan was to do what I could do. My longest day was about 9 miles. The heat was a major factor for me. But, I am very proud of what I accomplished.
Due to the heat, I had a couple of days when I had to take a taxi to get to my next destination. I spent three nights in Albergues but because I prefer more privacy and I snore, I spent other nights in pensions, small hotels, etc.
From reading your posts, it looks like you have to get your pain under control. Yes, this can be done partially by walking more and more each day; but, that can only do so much. From my experience, I traveled with prescribed pain medication. I couldn't have done the walk without it. I would speak with your doctor and see what can be done to help deal with your pain issues. Now I am taking Tramadol,
50 mg. (low dose). On my Camino, I was taking low dose Hydrocodone, as needed. I am not trying to push drugs here, I can't take non prescription anti-inflammatory medications due to stomach / intestinal issues. By taking the prescribed medication, as needed, I was able to accomplish part of something I had dreamed about for a long time. Please speak with your doctor, talk about your dreams and what you would like to accomplish.
J.W.
I am 57 years young and did the entire Camino this September and October. I also have arthritis and am very prone to tendonitis. My approach was that I was going to be as strong as I could be starting my Camino. Have you had cortisone injections, done yoga....?
Buen Camino
Elizabeth
We met a lady walking that section in 2012. Her shortest day was 2km and her longest was 8km with her accommodation booked ahead. She aimed to walk about 5km per day but actual distance was dictated by the accommodation - a mix of B&B and private albergues etc.
If necessary on a longer section you can taxi to the accommodation, then taxi back next day and walk on. Just be sure to get a stamp at the first and second day's start points as well as at the end of both days.
Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
Hi J.W.
I think you can do a lot about it. I have also had much pain in my body like you write, and I have a hip replacement. You can cleanse your body by eating and drinking very healthily. Of course I do not know what you eat, but I do know that most of the inflamation comes from wastesubstances located in the body, often in the joints and also causing a bad circulatory system. So vegetables, fruit, not so much meat, NO sugar or foods with sugar, and a lot of water. I weigh 62 kg, and I drink 1½ l water a day besides coffee, the ect. Depending of your knowledge about dieting, you may want to have a diet-advicer, that is alternative treatment, not on the hospital. Yoga is also a very good idea.
I walk every day, and minimum once a week a long walk. When I walk a Camino I can walk about 15 km a day the first week, up to 20 km pr, day the second, after that up to 25 km once in a while. I have never walked long distances when I was younger. Of course I cannot say that you will do the same after the cure, but I am sure you will feel better walking. You will quickly feel an improvement, but do stay on the cure.
I started my cure at the age of 52, I am now 65 and I hope for manymore Caminos to come.
Good Luck // Reidun Denmark
Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
JW - You may find that, especially with careful planning, you can do more than you think. My husband (aged 63) and I have just walked every step of the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela for my 70th birthday, which I celebrated in Pamplona. I have osteoarthritis in my neck, hips, knees and big toes, and my husband has tendinitis in the glutes and hamstrings. We started planning and training 18 months before we left. We had our feet checked out by a podiatrist who made orthotics for my footwear to deal with the osteoarthritis in the big toes. I saw a sports doctor who devised an exercise program for me to build up core and glute strength. We experimented with socks and shoes/boots to come up with the most comfortable blister free, pain free combination. I found hikers wool and injinji liner toe socks with icebreaker mountaineer socks worked best for me as did hiking boots (one size larger than normal) rather than shoes (although many people swear by shoes) as the boots secured around the ankle prevented my toes hitting the front of the toebox during descents. There are some very steep descents and if your toes hit the front of the toebox, you can end up with blisters and lose toenails. I also wore knee supports on all descents and I used walking poles.Hello,
I've been contemplating a short (100km) camino for a little while, and I've read some forum posts, watched videos, and read some guide books. I've been thinking that I probably won't be able to pull it off at my age -- 50 -- but I've been amazed at the number of folks that are decades older than I am that are able to make it work!
I would be doing this as a religious pilgrimage.
Based on my maximum achievable daily step count of about 8,000 steps, I could walk about 6 km per day, which would take about 17 days to do 100km. (Not including any necessary days off.) I'm concerned that 6 km would not be enough to make it to the next albergue each day.
Although I enjoyed hiking and walking long distances when I was younger, today I'm a slow, deliberate walker due to pain. When I take a short walk (through a grocery store or shopping mall, for example), my feet start to ache deeply (and it lasts for days), and I experience much heel, knee and hip pain on both sides during and after walking. The pain has come on slowly over the years, mostly after knee surgeries, and my doctors said that it's osteoarthritis and tendonitis due to aging, and that beyond anti-inflammatories there is not a lot that can be done about it. (I've tried physical therapy but it hasn't helped.) So, when I see folks in their 60s, 70s or 80s walking several hundred km I'm amazed that they are able to do it!
Does anyone have any advice or perspective on this? Has anyone 50+ started a camino in a lot of pain from arthritis and tendonitis and then it lessened on the camino and became doable?
Thanks!
J.W.
J.W.
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