Knee problem

[johnvp]

Hi,

All doing the Camino in September i have a damage knee torn cartilage not to much pain can walk 10k no problem anyone else been on the trip with a bad knee how did you go


regards



John

 

[Thengel1]

This may be something you already know about, but investing in a decent pair of shock-absorbing trekking poles helps a LOT. I have some knee problems of my own and I couldn't believe how big a difference they made hiking in the Dolomites last year, especially on steep descents..

As to particular brands, I am no expert, but mine are from Black Diamond and work well for me.

 

[colinPeter]

All doing the Camino in September i have a damage knee torn cartilage not to much pain can walk 10k no problem anyone else been on the trip with a bad knee how did you go

Hi John,
Welcome to the Forum. Yes, done it twice with a bad knee, similar issue as you have from old sporting injury. Of course no two people have the same restrictions, but I recommend good walking poles for those with knee problems and some good anti –inflammatory medication and strapping if required. You'll need to be able to cover more than 10K in the day, but you can possibly start early and give it a rest if you need to.
Buen Camino
Col

 

[handzondeck2]

Hi John
I agree wholeheartedly, a good pair of walking sticks, anti flam medication (ibrufen which you can buy over the counter at any farmacia dosages ranging from 200 - 800mg) and a good supportive knee brace that you can wash. Also good shoes help,too.

Have a safe journey

Ultreyia

Sharon

 

[nreyn12]

With life-long problems in both knees, the only way I could walk the Camino was with trekking poles. The first time I walked I had only one pole - no good. Be sure you have a set, and most importantly, learn how to use them for the most benefit.

I also found that I needed orthotics in my shoes to prevent my knees from 'pronating.' Insoles plus solid, strong boots and trekking poles did the trick. I am still super slow on all descents, but I've learned to live with that!

When on the trail, take your time, rest when you need to, and respect your limits...and keep your pack weight as low as possible.

You can do it! Buen Camino

 

[Al the optimist]

Just to say how much I admire those of you who embark on such a challenge with significant problems. You are an inspiration to those of us who start the walk in a more fortunate position (though with the trepidation that we may not be in the same state by the end)! :wink:
Buen Camino
allan

 

[Deleted member 3000]

a damage knee torn cartilage

Knee pain and problems are fairly common, but actual torn cartilage may be a different thing. Repetitive stress could cause considerable additional damage. My walking partner left Leon with "bad ankles." The problem was bone spurs and tendon damage. He had his right ankle operated on a month ago, and is in an immobilization boot for two months. As soon as he is out of it, he will have the left one operated on, and two more months of a boot! The repetitive pounding pushed him over the top on both ankles.

Perhaps you would be well served to get some good professional advice on what your knee can take in the way of days of working it hard.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We use knee supports occasionally. These are made from 'Tubigrip', a circular tube of stretchy cloth. In UK it is sold in pharmacies and comes in varying sizes to fit properly.
Terry wears his folllowing the instructions right over his knee. I find it more effective to cut the tube into between half and one third. Fold top over and then bottom up to make 3 equal layers, then pull this up to just below my knee cap. The folding prevents the support rolling and becoming a tourniquet!!
We use single sticks by choice and the knee supports only when we feel the need. If not sure I can wear mine round my ankle, saves removing boots if I want it part way during the day

 

[Mackie]

Hi,

All doing the Camino in September i have a damage knee torn cartilage not to much pain can walk 10k no problem anyone else been on the trip with a bad knee how did you go


regards



John

Hi John, I've had surgery (Arthroscopic) on both of my knees. Torn meniscus. But, I walked almost 25 kms a day from Roncesvalles to Santiago. I wore knee supports all throughout and they worked. for 29 days. But I was able to overcome it with the knee supports, ointment and rest every afternoon. In the end, my problem was not my knees but my back. If you need details on the knee supports that I wore, let me know....Mackie

 

[fraluchi]

...Perhaps you would be well served to get some good professional advice on what your knee can take in the way of days of working it hard.

Not "perhaps" :roll: Do follow this advice before risking additional damage:!:

 

[Abbeydore]

...Perhaps you would be well served to get some good professional advice on what your knee can take in the way of days of working it hard.

Not "perhaps" :roll: Do follow this advice before risking additional damage:!:

Agree take some professional advice, & physiotherapy. Did you know your knees are supported by those big muscles in you thighs, I have to do extra exercises to support knee(s), just to walk normally. Good Luck. (apparently those knee supports don't do any good(physio said), but they feel good, & they keep your knee warm)
David

 

[Deleted member 3000]

(apparently those knee supports don't do any good (physio said)

I suspect that is true. However, in my case my left knee slips out of position in many postures like sitting cross-legged, and the elastic is sufficient support to keep that from happening. For tendon damage I would agree with the physio!!!

 

[max44]

. (apparently those knee supports don't do any good(physio said), but they feel good, & they keep your knee warm)
David

They are more of a reminder not to over do it.

Use walking poles but not like a lot of people do and use them like ski poles.You should... Left foot, right pole. Right foot, left pole. This keeps your weight and centre of gravity where it should be. It save your lumbar region as well.

See your Doc before you go. He may give you a cortisone injection to help while you are away.
Rest, Ice elevation will help a lot as well
T

 

[johnvp]

Hi,
Hi Thanks for that i already have a brace for my training and it helps alot my specialist says no to the operation at this stage he said put up with the pain until its unbearable i think he is right he says why tear away more tread just to get rid if light pain i have had phsio on it and its getting better with no pain did 15k the other day no problem thanks for the post



All doing the Camino in September i have a damage knee torn cartilage not to much pain can walk 10k no problem anyone else been on the trip with a bad knee how did you go


regards



John

Hi John, I've had surgery (Arthroscopic) on both of my knees. Torn meniscus. But, I walked almost 25 kms a day from Roncesvalles to Santiago. I wore knee supports all throughout and they worked. for 29 days. But I was able to overcome it with the knee supports, ointment and rest every afternoon. In the end, my problem was not my knees but my back. If you need details on the knee supports that I wore, let me know....Mackie

 

[johnvp]

...Perhaps you would be well served to get some good professional advice on what your knee can take in the way of days of working it hard.

Not "perhaps" :roll: Do follow this advice before risking additional damage:!:

This may be something you already know about, but investing in a decent pair of shock-absorbing trekking poles helps a LOT. I have some knee problems of my own and I couldn't believe how big a difference they made hiking in the Dolomites last year, especially on steep descents..

As to particular brands, I am no expert, but mine are from Black Diamond and work well for me.

Thanks for that i will investigate further
Hi Thanks for that i already have a brace for my training and it helps alot my specialist says no to the operation at this stage he said put up with the pain until its unbearable i think he is right he says why tear away more tread just to get rid if light pain i have had phsio on it and its getting better with no pain did 15k the other day no problem thanks for the post

 

[johnvp]

Hi All thank you all so much for your help i will take all on board maybe see you in September i am starting on my 59th Birthday 2nd September

Do anyone know of a good pdf guide to the camino

regards

John

 

[billvinhage]

The best guides are not in electronic format. I am scanning my brierly guidebook into
PDF about 30 or so pages a day......very tedious but I'd rather have it on my iPad mini than carry it.

 

[johnvp]

hi
Yes i have that book to it would be a pain to scan i was thinking of cutting mine up and put them thru my work scanner dont quite have the faith yet, i think the mini Ipad would be great for the Camino investigating that already

thanks John

 

[max44]

For what it's worth, after starting slow and building up, my knee is so much stronger and my walking partners knee is much stronger now also.
The camino helps.
Just watch the over extending walking uphill . Take small steps.

 

[JohnMcM]

Max44
Good piece of advice.

 

[johnvp]

Thanks for all your help i have noticed on our training the knee is getting better and stronger we are doing about 30k on the weekend 15k a day we are increasing that to 25k over the next 2 months no major issues yet
John