Knee-guards

[riatolken]

Do you think - wearing knee-guards can prevent injuries?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Only if you fall down regularly.
They would drive me nuts!

 

[nellpilgrim]

Do you think - wearing knee-guards can prevent injuries?

Knee-guards?....do you mean knee supports?

 

[colinPeter]

Hola nellpilgrim,

Do you think - wearing knee-guards can prevent injuries?

A search of the web from medical sources don't give knee guards/supports a great deal of credit (other than post operative).
However, as someone with years of problems with one knee, I find it does add a "sense" of stability for me. I sometimes use a "Patella Tendon Support" (strap just below the knee) and I find this gives me a sense of comfort when walking, if the knee is feeling a bit "thingy".
I find that "trekking poles" are a much better option for my knees, both for stability and support.
Still, I carry a knee support in my kit, just in case I feel I need it.
Buen Camino
Colin

 

[nellpilgrim]

Hi Colin,
I was actually just uncertain what the initial poster was referring to! But I use both walking poles and heavy duty knee staps (shattered both kneecaps as a kid still have a phobia about parquet flooring :shock: ) or, if the terrain is ok, then those little single stap things you mentioned. I guess I've got used to full knee staps and the payback is a I can walk long distances without too much trouble. I wouldn't be able to do squat-diddley-do without them that's for sure.

 

[colinPeter]

Hola nellpilgrim,
Sorry about my confusing post, I meant to reply to the original poster "riatolken", was not meaning to seem critical of your reply. Still your answer added very well to "riatolken" questions.
Again sorry about he mix up.
Colin

 

[nellpilgrim]

Hola nellpilgrim,
Sorry about my confusing post, I meant to reply to the original poster "riatolken", was not meaning to seem critical of your reply. Still your answer added very well to "riatolken" questions.
Again sorry about he mix up.
Colin

No worries Colin....though I'm glad you're not critical of my reply as that would be a first for me :lol:
Nell

 

[Ella_leah]

I have knee guards (that's what I call them anyway) or supports that I wear every time I go hiking. The ones I have a neoprene and have velcro at both the top and bottom of it. Most importantly for me, there is a hole for the kneecap. My problem is with my kneecap not tracking correctly and for that it makes a significant difference. I also always walk with poles.

 

[DesertRain]

I suspect that a knee brace is overkill for the vast majority of people on the Camino. However, as someone who no longer has ANY ligaments in my knee (due to a Camino accident and 3 surgical procedures; http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/health-insurance.6068/), I used this on my left knee while walking last year: https://www.shockdoctor.com/ultra-knee-support-with-bilateral-hinges. I tried several other ones before settling on the top end Shock Doctor one; it is far and away the best/most comfortable/most supportive I found. If you need a brace, consider this one.

I also strongly recommend that you use a sheath under the brace to prevent chafing. I recommend either Sun Knees in hot weather (http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=125&product_id=1794903) or any cycling knee warmer in cooler weather.

If you have knee problems of any sort, I also strongly recommend using trekking poles (especially http://www.pacerpole.com). If used properly (something I saw less than 10% of users doing on the Camino), they take a huge load off of the knees, especially on descents. If used improperly, they are practically useless.

I am happy to answer any questions about my own experience with walking the Camino with a very bad knee. At one point, I told my wife that my knee was the only part of my body that did not hurt.