Knee problem: advice por favor!!

[katie@camino]

I am on stage 4, just arrived in Puenta Le Reina. I appeared to injure my knee walking into Pamplona yesterday - it became slightly swollen, I cannot straighten it, it now has less strength. I walked Pamplona - PLR today with knee brace, ibuprofen and Voltaren plus sent my pack forward and most importantly, slowed down. My knee held up fine, no worse than yesterday but feels weak without my knee brace.

I would love some experienced pilgrims' advice - should I keep going as is? Am I in danger of further damaging my knee or could it be just soreness (which I can easily live with)? Should I try to get in to see a doctor? I am happy to continue wearing my knee brace and sending pack forward so I can complete the Camino. Just would love to hear some fellow pilgrims stories and suggestions. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[Robo]

Hi Katie.

Always best to get professional medical advice I think!

Doctor or maybe a physio. Even if you taxi back to Pamplona for an hour or two...

I had to do that a couple of times, but well worth it!

DIY treatment isn't always correct in it's diagnosis but thankfully medical professionals along the Camino have seen it all before....many times.

I never needed a doctor so not sure of costs. But physio was not expensive. 30-40e for 60-90 minutes treatment, strapping etc.

 

[CdnDreamer]

We can't diagnose your problem from half way across the world. You could try finding pilgrims in Puenta Le Reina or the hospitaleros that run the albergues and talk with them. I hurt my knee at the beginning of the camino and bought a knee brace. Some days I couldn't bend my knee at all, other days it was fine. But a year later, I still have problems with my knee. It probably would have been better to have it looked at when it happened.

You mention both ibuprofen and Voltaren plus - you didn't mention if these are pills or creams. You want to make sure you are not taking too much as they are similar drugs.

 

[traveler]

From our experience last year
- go to a clinic/doctor to make sure that you don't have a major problem that will be worsened by walking (you probably don't have a big problem, but you'll feel better knowing that you don't)
- take 3-5 days off from walking
- use the meds the doctor recommends
- start again walking slowly and have your pack sent forward
- ignore everyone else's advice, we had a number of people insist that we must take a bus, a woman yelled at us for destroying my wife's health, ... You get the idea. We were in contact with our son who is a doctor and followed his advice, but all he did was read the Spanish doctor's report and confirmed that it was okay, albeit somewhat painful, to walk

- be grateful for the encouragement and prayers of others. One priest who was on the Camino staying the same places as us, repeatedly said my wife was an inspiration because of her slow, careful, and obviously painful walking and prayed for us, others walked with us for a day and provided a pleasant distraction, and others were very encouraging.

You'll make it, just be patient with yourself. And we'll be praying for you (we're in Leon today walking the Camino.)

 

[whariwharangi]

Knee Crisis Handbook by Halpern. Get it in Kindle version.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1579548717/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

 

[katie@camino]

Thankyou everyone for your sage words and kindness. I have been walking with a lovely Hungarian doctor who has been helping me figure out what/when/how much re: medications/Volataren but she feels reluctant to give me more advice than that. I don't have much pain when I'm walking with the knee brace which is great but my range of movement is slightly limited.

I think this experience, and your comments, have been the kick in the proverbial to slow down, even stop when I need to. Tomorrow I will walk (slowly) to Villatuerte, with pack sent forward, and ask for help getting to medical centre in Estella. I am staying in a private albergue up 4 flights of stairs in PLR and the hospitalero speaks little English so I think I would prefer to walk with my doctor walking buddy and talk to people at Villatuerte.

One last question: I think a Physio would be more helpful than a doctor in this case, as far as diagnosis and suggestions for managing the rest of the Camino - can anyone tell me how to see a Physio? I imagine doctors practice out of medical centers but where do physiotherapists practice?

 

[katie@camino]

From our experience last year
- go to a clinic/doctor to make sure that you don't have a major problem that will be worsened by walking (you probably don't have a big problem, but you'll feel better knowing that you don't)
- take 3-5 days off from walking
- use the meds the doctor recommends
- start again walking slowly and have your pack sent forward
- ignore everyone else's advice, we had a number of people insist that we must take a bus, a woman yelled at us for destroying my wife's health, ... You get the idea. We were in contact with our son who is a doctor and followed his advice, but all he did was read the Spanish doctor's report and confirmed that it was okay, albeit somewhat painful, to walk

- be grateful for the encouragement and prayers of others. One priest who was on the Camino staying the same places as us, repeatedly said my wife was an inspiration because of her slow, careful, and obviously painful walking and prayed for us, others walked with us for a day and provided a pleasant distraction, and others were very encouraging.

You'll make it, just be patient with yourself. And we'll be praying for you (we're in Leon today walking the Camino.)

From our experience last year
- go to a clinic/doctor to make sure that you don't have a major problem that will be worsened by walking (you probably don't have a big problem, but you'll feel better knowing that you don't)
- take 3-5 days off from walking
- use the meds the doctor recommends
- start again walking slowly and have your pack sent forward
- ignore everyone else's advice, we had a number of people insist that we must take a bus, a woman yelled at us for destroying my wife's health, ... You get the idea. We were in contact with our son who is a doctor and followed his advice, but all he did was read the Spanish doctor's report and confirmed that it was okay, albeit somewhat painful, to walk

- be grateful for the encouragement and prayers of others. One priest who was on the Camino staying the same places as us, repeatedly said my wife was an inspiration because of her slow, careful, and obviously painful walking and prayed for us, others walked with us for a day and provided a pleasant distraction, and others were very encouraging.

You'll make it, just be patient with yourself. And we'll be praying for you (we're in Leon today walking the Camino.)

May I ask: what was wrong with your wife's knee? And how long did it take you to complete the Camino?

 

[katie@camino]

Knee Crisis Handbook by Halpern. Get it in Kindle version.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1579548717/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

Thankyou, I will check this out. It sounds most apt!

 

[katie@camino]

From our experience last year
- go to a clinic/doctor to make sure that you don't have a major problem that will be worsened by walking (you probably don't have a big problem, but you'll feel better knowing that you don't)
- take 3-5 days off from walking
- use the meds the doctor recommends
- start again walking slowly and have your pack sent forward
- ignore everyone else's advice, we had a number of people insist that we must take a bus, a woman yelled at us for destroying my wife's health, ... You get the idea. We were in contact with our son who is a doctor and followed his advice, but all he did was read the Spanish doctor's report and confirmed that it was okay, albeit somewhat painful, to walk

- be grateful for the encouragement and prayers of others. One priest who was on the Camino staying the same places as us, repeatedly said my wife was an inspiration because of her slow, careful, and obviously painful walking and prayed for us, others walked with us for a day and provided a pleasant distraction, and others were very encouraging.

You'll make it, just be patient with yourself. And we'll be praying for you (we're in Leon today walking the Camino.)

Goodness, I just re-read your last 2 sentences and I am now crying like a baby. Thankyou thankyou thankyou.

 

[traveler]

May I ask: what was wrong with your wife's knee? And how long did it take you to complete the Camino?

Severe sprain. We initially spent two rest days in Logroño and then as it got worse we went to a doctor and spent six rest days in Santo Domingo. Including the rest time we started in SJPP on May 6 and arrived in Santiago on June 26 (52 days). We also took 3 other rest days as a part of restarting slowly. We had set aside 61 days for the trip so we were able to continue to Muxia and complete our original plan. By the time we reached Sarria my wife was able to walk without pain and without pain meds, but still had a bit of a limp. By the time we arrived home she was walking normally.

Physiotherapy is a good idea to think about. My son told us to pursue it after the sprain started to heal. So it probably depends on the type and extent of your injury. I'd ask a doctor.

My wife did a lot of physical therapy (5 months) once we got home to strengthen muscles etc to prevent the problem from returning in the future.

 

[whariwharangi]

No physiotherapist should give you physiotherapy without first getting a doctor's diagnosis ... which probably should include an x-ray. Potential for doing damage is too real when the cause of the problems is not understood.

 

[katie@camino]

Severe sprain. We initially spent two rest days in Logroño and then as it got worse we went to a doctor and spent six rest days in Santo Domingo. Including the rest time we started in SJPP on May 6 and arrived in Santiago on June 26 (52 days). We also took 3 other rest days as a part of restarting slowly. We had set aside 61 days for the trip so we were able to continue to Muxia and complete our original plan. By the time we reached Sarria my wife was able to walk without pain and without pain meds, but still had a bit of a limp. By the time we arrived home she was walking normally.

Physiotherapy is a good idea to think about. My son told us to pursue it after the sprain started to heal. So it probably depends on the type and extent of your injury. I'd ask a doctor.

My wife did a lot of physical therapy (5 months) once we got home to strengthen muscles etc to prevent the problem from returning in the future.

Thankyou again for your response. It sounds like I have been spared the pain your wife obviously went through - my symptoms appear to be much more mild. I have had terrible musculoskeletal problems in the past (including spinal fusion 3 years ago) and am anxious to prevent my body ruining yet another holiday. It sounds like some rest days are in order. I'm so pleased your wife was able to recover, complete the Camigo and is still enthusiastic for it.

 

[katie@camino]

No physiotherapist should give you physiotherapy without first getting a doctor's diagnosis ... which probably should include an x-ray. Potential for doing damage is too real when the cause of the problems is not understood.

No physiotherapist should give you physiotherapy without first getting a doctor's diagnosis ... which probably should include an x-ray. Potential for doing damage is too real when the cause of the problems is not understood.

Thankyou, I will pursue that option.

 

[katie@camino]

Hi Katie.

Always best to get professional medical advice I think!

Doctor or maybe a physio. Even if you taxi back to Pamplona for an hour or two...

I had to do that a couple of times, but well worth it!

DIY treatment isn't always correct in it's diagnosis but thankfully medical professionals along the Camino have seen it all before....many times.

I never needed a doctor so not sure of costs. But physio was not expensive. 30-40e for 60-90 minutes treatment, strapping etc.

Yes I'm sure they have a lot of experience with over-exuberant pilgrims! Thankyou, I am keen to see a Physio.

 

[Physio_pilgrim]

No physiotherapist should give you physiotherapy without first getting a doctor's diagnosis ... which probably should include an x-ray. Potential for doing damage is too real when the cause of the problems is not understood.

@whariwharangi - I must correct you there. As a physiotherapist we are considered 'primary practitioners' which means we are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions without a doctor, in fact our extensive training in this area means that we often have greater expertise in musculoskeltal conditions than general doctors like GP'S (which is is why they never actual treat musculoskeletal conditions - they usually either give pain killers or refer to a Physio anyway). As physiotherapist, we are also trained to know when an injury is suspicious of being serious in which case we would then refer on for further imaging or to an orthopaedic specialist if required


And @katie@camino - glad you've sought professional help. Hope you're on the mend.

 

[katie@camino]

@whariwharangi - I must correct you there. As a physiotherapist we are considered 'primary practitioners' which means we are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions without a doctor, in fact our extensive training in this area means that we often have greater expertise in musculoskeltal conditions than general doctors like GP'S (which is is why they never actual treat musculoskeletal conditions - they usually either give pain killers or refer to a Physio anyway). As physiotherapist, we are also trained to know when an injury is suspicious of being serious in which case we would then refer on for further imaging or to an orthopaedic specialist if required


And @katie@camino - glad you've sought professional help. Hope you're on the mend.

Thankyou so much. I have a huge amount of respect for physios and completely agree with you!

 

[whariwharangi]

@whariwharangi - I must correct you there. As a physiotherapist we are considered 'primary practitioners' which means we are trained to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions without a doctor, in fact our extensive training in this area means that we often have greater expertise in musculoskeltal conditions than general doctors like GP'S (which is is why they never actual treat musculoskeletal conditions - they usually either give pain killers or refer to a Physio anyway). As physiotherapist, we are also trained to know when an injury is suspicious of being serious in which case we would then refer on for further imaging or to an orthopaedic specialist if required


And @katie@camino - glad you've sought professional help. Hope you're on the mend.

Thanks for the information. I learn something new here every day.

 

[dougfitz]

@katie@camino if you are still in Puente la Reina, there is a health centre at the far end of the town where a doctor attends on weekdays and part of Saturday. You might get in as a walk up there if you are prepared to take a chance not having an appointment.

 

[Robo]

Hi Katie


Physios tend to operate from their own consulting rooms.

You might ask your host if they know of one or at a medical Centre. I found one using Yelp....


I had a hotel receptionist find me one a couple of times.

Physios in Spain are excellent in my experience. Without wishing to overstate the obvious.....you need a physio. ....not a masseur....

 

[katie@camino]

@katie@camino if you are still in Puente la Reina, there is a health centre at the far end of the town where a doctor attends on weekdays and part of Saturday. You might get in as a walk up there if you are prepared to take a chance not having an appointment.

Perfecto! I will try this for sure! Thankyou!

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

@whariwharangi ...in fact our extensive training in this area means that we often have greater expertise in musculoskeltal conditions than general doctors like GP'S (which is is why they never actual treat musculoskeletal conditions - they usually either give pain killers or refer to a Physio anyway). As physiotherapist, we are also trained to know when an injury is suspicious of being serious in which case we would then refer on for further imaging or to an orthopaedic specialist if required.

Can I ever attest to this! It was my physio who correctly identified a fracture in my foot and recommended the appropriate specialist.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Hi Katie.

Always best to get professional medical advice I think!

Doctor or maybe a physio. Even if you taxi back to Pamplona for an hour or two...

I had to do that a couple of times, but well worth it!

DIY treatment isn't always correct in it's diagnosis but thankfully medical professionals along the Camino have seen it all before....many times.

I never needed a doctor so not sure of costs. But physio was not expensive. 30-40e for 60-90 minutes treatment, strapping etc.

Very good physio in puente la reine. Across street from church. Speak spainish and French