Injured knee in Gijón

[NathanNL]

I have now been hiking the Camino del Norte for about two weeks. The first week I started way too fast. I stumbled into Bilbao and since Santander I have been walking with a knee brace.

Although the knee brace brings some relief at the beginning of the day, the pain increases during the afternoon. In the evening I am usually pain-free and the next day the pain returns.

Tomorrow I will take the bus to Gijón. There I will stay for a few days to give my knee some rest and I would like to have a specialist look at my knee for advice.

Where can I go? Do I need to go to a physiotherapist, GP, medical centre? Does anyone have a good idea?

 

[Former member 104756]

Sorry you are having this problem. There is discussion in the thread below about knee pain. Not a substitute for medical advice but one or more of the suggestions may help. The thread included a post from me about Kiniseology Tape (KT) which I and some others have found effective.

Thread 'Knee pain...help!'

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/knee-pain-help.80329/

If you are able to get expert advice, so much the better. All the best

 

[trecile]

What part of your knee has the pain?
Sometimes the pain stems from another part of the body. I had pain on the outside of my knee that I learned came from a tight IT band. Some exercise and self massage resolved the problem quickly.

 

[Former member 104756]

What part of your knee has the pain?
Sometimes the pain stems from another part of the body. I had pain on the outside of my knee that I learned came from a tight IT band. Some exercise and self massage resolved the problem quickly.

Yes, that is often the cause of knee pain. Stretching exercises and massage can be very effective for prevention also.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

Stop walking!!...There are at least two hospitals in Gijon. You need to know what kind of knee injury you have sustained....you could do long term damage...I hope you will be ok....

 

[WestKirsty]

Where can I go? Do I need to go to a physiotherapist, GP, medical centre? Does anyone have a good idea?

I'm sorry that you're in pain! I haven't been to Gijon myself so can't give a specific answer but perhaps you can talk to the hospitalero or receptionist where you are staying about where to go for help with your knee. A local pharmacist could also be helpful in making suggestions on who to see. I've found pharmacists in Spain to be incredibly helpful at times! They know the system

Spain has both public and private health care and if you have travel medical insurance, that could also factor in terms of which facility to go to.

I hope you get some relief soon!

 

[WalkingLester]

Examine your backpack. Have you packed too much? The past three people I met on the camino that had knee pain were each carrying about 15 kgs.

 

[LTfit]

My suggestion is to go to a Centro de Salud or to a fisiotherapeuta (PT, I am one by the way). Gijon is a big city so there will be many to chose from. I'd say Google the one closest to you, that's what I did the day I was walking into Gijon when my shin hit into a metal road sign when I was going round a bend. Luckily I had tape with me to stop the bleeding.

My experience though may be different from yours as I have a European Health Card from The Netherlands which is accepted in Spain.

Hope the rest and some professional advice will get you back on the Camino.

 

[NathanNL]

Thanks for all the advice!

Yesterday, I contacted my health insurance's emergency line. Based on my temporary address, they advised me to visit Hospital Begoña.

This morning, I visited this hospital and was helped very well. They took X-rays and there was no damage visible. The doctor suspects overuse of my knee. She allowed me to start walking again on Friday. With a knee brace, paracetamol and voltaren emugel in my pocket and with the promise that I will no longer walk 30km a day.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Nathan, you don't mention walking poles at all. If you're not using them then get some. They will make a huge difference. Also recommended you review your pack and take out any non-essential items and post them on to Ivar in Santiago. Cheers, tom