Full Francés with Knee worry

[Ausduo]

Hola
I will be 65 when my partner & I will be doing our first Camino in late August / September 2020. I have recently suffered what I’m told is a complex tear of my meniscus in one knee... The tear will not heal so I will walk with a brace to prevent further tearing through rotation.
This question is for anyone who has walked a Camino with this particular injury and their methodology. We’re planning a one way flight to Europe to keep options open and giving ourselves a rest day every 5 or 6 days. Any advice or relative injury experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Buen Camino

 

[TMcA]

I have recently suffered what I’m told is a complex tear of my meniscus in one knee...

I hope you were told this by an orthopedic specialist. And I would follow that doc's guidance. Just me, of course. It's hard to obtain sound medical guidance via this forum. My opinion again.

I had meniscal tearing which presented itself when my knee buckled as I walked around the floor of the office where I worked. It came out of nowhere - I had no idea what was going on. It also "went away" and did not happen again for a short while, but then it happened again.

Following a consult with an orthopedic office, Xrays, and possibly a MRI, arthroscopic surgery was recommended. I had the surgery on a Thursday or Friday and was back on my feet almost immediately. But I have no idea whether my case was similar or very different from yours.

Good luck with whatever you feel best for your knee and your future Camino.

Tom

 

[NorthernLight]

Ask your health care professional for advice on a system of strength training to prevent further injury and for guidance on safe-ish distances or what to avoid (e.g. are long downhills okay?)

People walk the camino with a wide variety of ailments and limitations. Figure out what your limits and needs are and respect those.

Gronze and godesalco are your planning friends. You can jiggle things daily-distance-wise to make it work for you.

Happy planning.

 

[C clearly]

Also, get walking poles and learn to use them.

 

[Ausduo]

Thanks Tom and Northern Light. Yes I’ve done as you’ve asked via specialist & MRI etc and am also doing strength training via physiotherapist advice. I was just curious to know if any pilgrims have walked the route with this particular injury etc.

 

[Cayou]

Related ... but not exactly. In 1992 I did my last Ironman in Kona Hawaii with meniscus tears in my left knee. A little faster pace, but only a 1-day deal. In your case, swelling will probably be your tell tale guideline. Too much swelling, and it's a rest day or 2. How is it now in training? Good luck.

 

[Ausduo]

Yeh... Swelling occurs but not really in serious training until after X’mas so currently started bike riding to strengthen quads hammies & butt and walking 5ks a day 3 to 4 times a week with no great problem. Test will come when I start pushing distances with down hills etc I guess but I have time on my side to work it out and or do the arthroscopic clean up if things aren’t going well and then still have time enough to train up... Preference is always to try non-surgical first.

 

[lt56ny]

Hola
I will be 65 when my partner & I will be doing our first Camino in late August / September 2020. I have recently suffered what I’m told is a complex tear of my meniscus in one knee... The tear will not heal so I will walk with a brace to prevent further tearing through rotation.
This question is for anyone who has walked a Camino with this particular injury and their methodology. We’re planning a one way flight to Europe to keep options open and giving ourselves a rest day every 5 or 6 days. Any advice or relative injury experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Buen Camino

TMcA is 100% correct. SEE YOUR DOCTOR. If you suffered a heart attack last year and wanted to walk would you ask us if you were fit for the Camino? Of course not. Why would you ask us about a knee problem when each person walks differently, heals at different rates, may or may not have other underlying issues that have effected their knee or their knee effects, have weight or strength differences. The list is endless. I was a pharmaceutical representative in a past life. I can't tell you how many times people asked for my advice. As soon as someone would begin I immediately cut them off and said you MUST discuss this with your Doctor. The human body is the most complex entity on earth. No matter how well meaning, advice from your Cousin Joe or us can be dangerous.

 

[MichaelB10398]

Hola
I will be 65 when my partner & I will be doing our first Camino in late August / September 2020. I have recently suffered what I’m told is a complex tear of my meniscus in one knee... The tear will not heal so I will walk with a brace to prevent further tearing through rotation.
This question is for anyone who has walked a Camino with this particular injury and their methodology. We’re planning a one way flight to Europe to keep options open and giving ourselves a rest day every 5 or 6 days. Any advice or relative injury experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Buen Camino

I had the surgery before I walked. The surgery was easy, took a bit for swelling to down, but lost the pain. Now, I sit on the sidelines due to arthritis and will not be capable of walking again until I have both knees replaced.

We are of similar age. I followed my doctor's advice. Please confirm plans with him.

Regardless, it is great that you are doing strength training now and walking. Make sure that you extend the distance as much as possible. This is assist you in gaining confidence that all will be well with you when you go.

Buen Camino

 

[Ausduo]

Thank you Michael B... I continue to speak and listen to my doctor and physiotherapist and am most grateful to those pilgrims who can share there experiences as this does help and gives confidence. I also have an arthritic issue in the knee which is why I’m avoiding the surgery at the present as the specialist is concerned that it may aggravate the problem.
I plan to take it very slowly on the long descents and climbs and use rest days if it flares up.
Hope you knee surgery sees you back on the trail soon.
Buen Camino

 

[VAtoNC]

I hope you were told this by an orthopedic specialist. And I would follow that doc's guidance. Just me, of course. It's hard to obtain sound medical guidance via this forum. My opinion again.

I had meniscal tearing which presented itself when my knee buckled as I walked around the floor of the office where I worked. It came out of nowhere - I had no idea what was going on. It also "went away" and did not happen again for a short while, but then it happened again.

Following a consult with an orthopedic office, Xrays, and possibly a MRI, arthroscopic surgery was recommended. I had the surgery on a Thursday or Friday and was back on my feet almost immediately. But I have no idea whether my case was similar or very different from yours.

Good luck with whatever you feel best for your knee and your future Camino.

Tom

I also tore a meniscus, had surgery, and was up and around w/o assistance about a week later.

 

[MjT]

In May 2017 I found that my left knee wasn’t in very good shape. I had a bulging and torn meniscus. I had already booked my Camino Frances walk for August 2017 (at the age of 67yrs). What worked for me was to include leg strengthening exercises, including hydrotherapy, in my training, and once on the walk, taking 2 Panadol Osteo each morning, then again at 2pm each day. I also used walking poles. I had no problem walking the full Camino. I did take a knee brace with me but found it to be too uncomfortable, so I ditched it.
And a word of caution, my doctor also advised taking Mobic (Voltaren) tablets, but in my case their side effect was to swell my feet, makes for tight shoes !
Hope this helps.

 

[Ausduo]

Many thanks MjT... I’m really glad to hear from someone who has completed with the injury well managed.

 

[MjT]

No worries. I forgot to mention that I always forwarded my luggage, so that I only walked with a day pack. Less weight on the knees !

 

[Ausduo]

No worries. I forgot to mention that I always forwarded my luggage, so that I only walked with a day pack. Less weight on the knees !

That sounds like a good idea... I was thinking of doing that on those days with long steep inclines and descents. How long was your Camino?

 

[MjT]

I walked from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, around 795km. I had 36 walking days, and 4 rest days. My rest days were in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Portomarin. I would recommend that you forward your luggage every day, it’s not that expensive, and makes for a more enjoyable experience.
I’m about to walk the Kumano Kodo in Japan, and I’m using the same training regime, and Panadol Osteo again !
Buen Camino.

 

[Ausduo]

I walked from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, around 795km. I had 36 walking days, and 4 rest days. My rest days were in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon and Portomarin. I would recommend that you forward your luggage every day, it’s not that expensive, and makes for a more enjoyable experience.
I’m about to walk the Kumano Kodo in Japan, and I’m using the same training regime, and Panadol Osteo again !
Buen Camino.

We will be walking the same 795 k’s as you did... I’ve planned around 45 days in total but haven’t booked a return ticket in case I need longer. The Kumano Kodo looks like a great trek... We did part of the Nakasendo way last November and quite a bit of hiking in the Kamikochi region just before it closed for the winter. It was fabulous but for an interesting run in with a very possessive Snow Monkey!

 

[Dorpie]

Hola
I will be 65 when my partner & I will be doing our first Camino in late August / September 2020. I have recently suffered what I’m told is a complex tear of my meniscus in one knee... The tear will not heal so I will walk with a brace to prevent further tearing through rotation.
This question is for anyone who has walked a Camino with this particular injury and their methodology. We’re planning a one way flight to Europe to keep options open and giving ourselves a rest day every 5 or 6 days. Any advice or relative injury experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Buen Camino

Hi @australia

I tore my meniscus skiing as a child and it gave me very little trouble until 2014, about a year before my first full Camino. I had the meniscus trimmed after a couple of episodes of excruciating knee pain and 6 months later had no issue walking.

I'd walked significant distances prior to this also with no issue. That's the problem with this kind of injury , you just never when it might flare up.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hola
I will be 65 when my partner & I will be doing our first Camino in late August / September 2020. I have recently suffered what I’m told is a complex tear of my meniscus in one knee... The tear will not heal so I will walk with a brace to prevent further tearing through rotation.
This question is for anyone who has walked a Camino with this particular injury and their methodology. We’re planning a one way flight to Europe to keep options open and giving ourselves a rest day every 5 or 6 days. Any advice or relative injury experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Buen Camino

I am sorry for your trouble... I cannot tell you if your knee problem and mine are similar. I can say that after an mri i was given an injection that lasted almost five months. I got a second one before setting out for the Ingles. I used paqmochila as i did not want to push my luck, and I found it such a blessing. I also use walking poles, and have learned how to use them. Wishing you all the best, and don’t push too hard.

 

[Ausduo]

I am sorry for your trouble... I cannot tell you if your knee problem and mine are similar. I can say that after an mri i was given an injection that lasted almost five months. I got a second one before setting out for the Ingles. I used paqmochila as i did not want to push my luck, and I found it such a blessing. I also use walking poles, and have learned how to use them. Wishing you all the best, and don’t push too hard.

Many thanks Kirkie... I had read about this possible solution before but it’s great to hear your personal experience with this to be so successful. I will definitely explore this option.
Buen Camino