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hi all -- thank you for this forum, I've been reading around and learning lots! I plan to walk the CP from Porto starting in about 3 weeks. On my "training" hikes, I've been experiencing some very mild pain by my knee, seems to be from the tendons or ligaments to side of the kneecap (inner side). I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce the risk of this causing problems on the Caminho -- knee brace? Poles? Other?
More background -- I'm 56 and in good health. My right leg has always been weaker than the left -- I have a little bit of muscle imbalance on the right leg. I practice pilates to strengthen the leg, and I usually have no knee problems. I walk and hike frequently, and with no pack, I have no pain (at distances like 20 km). So I've never used poles or knee braces. However, for the last month I've been hiking with my full Caminho pack as practice. As I get up to 10 km or so, I start to get some minor twinges next to the knee. It goes away pretty easily, especially with rest. But I'd like to support the knee so it doesn't develop a bigger problem.
Since I've never had this problem before, I'm wondering about possible solutions. I am trying to keep my pack light, but am carrying a light sleeping bag and some warmer clothes for October weather. I've got it down to about 8 kg without water (I weigh about 72 kg). My husband and I have extra time, so we plan to take it slow and rest whenever needed (we can spend 3+ weeks on CP, when I understand it can be done in 10 days).
So in addition to 'go slow and rest', anyone have suggestions?
I have artritis and have been fitted with a brace. I also do isometric exercises. I am 77 and do get tired. So I suggest 10 kms initially should help set the pace.. also of anti inflammatories could help getting you through. Buen Canino!hi all -- thank you for this forum, I've been reading around and learning lots! I plan to walk the CP from Porto starting in about 3 weeks. On my "training" hikes, I've been experiencing some very mild pain by my knee, seems to be from the tendons or ligaments to side of the kneecap (inner side). I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce the risk of this causing problems on the Caminho -- knee brace? Poles? Other?
More background -- I'm 56 and in good health. My right leg has always been weaker than the left -- I have a little bit of muscle imbalance on the right leg. I practice pilates to strengthen the leg, and I usually have no knee problems. I walk and hike frequently, and with no pack, I have no pain (at distances like 20 km). So I've never used poles or knee braces. However, for the last month I've been hiking with my full Caminho pack as practice. As I get up to 10 km or so, I start to get some minor twinges next to the knee. It goes away pretty easily, especially with rest. But I'd like to support the knee so it doesn't develop a bigger problem.
Since I've never had this problem before, I'm wondering about possible solutions. I am trying to keep my pack light, but am carrying a light sleeping bag and some warmer clothes for October weather. I've got it down to about 8 kg without water (I weigh about 72 kg). My husband and I have extra time, so we plan to take it slow and rest whenever needed (we can spend 3+ weeks on CP, when I understand it can be done in 10 days).
So in addition to 'go slow and rest', anyone have suggestions?
I used poles on the CF in 2015 and never stopped using them. Started getting knee pain last year and have been using a compression sleeve covering each knee when necessary. Oh, and I leave Porto on 1 October as well. From Best Guest hostel. Hope to see you on the Camino.Hi Kestrel, I'll also be walking the CP from Porto in approx. 3 weeks (starting Oct 1). Maybe we'll see each other.
When I was walking the CF a couple of years ago, I developed knee problems. Once they manifested, I started with a compression sleeve and it helped at the beginning but it got worse and that wasn't enough, so I switched to a brace that I acquired in a farmacia. The brace itself wasn't enough either and I got poles at my first opportunity thereafter. Once I got the poles, I found it made an enormous difference and I was sorry I hadn't started with them. I wouldn't do a long distance walk without them now. I found that I still needed the knee brace on that Camino, though. If I was feeling good I might walk the first 10 km without it, but eventually I'd have to put it back on.
Years later, my knees are somewhat better. In my training walks for my upcoming CP, I've walked 20 km+ for three days in a row (including some steep descents) without the knee brace or knee compression sleeve. I always use my poles, though.
So, in case it isn't obvious, I would definitely recommend the poles.You can take them with you or pick them up in Porto. You might want to take a compression sleeve for your right leg, or you can try starting without and pick one up at a pharmacy if needed.
Bom Caminho!
Agreed!Hi, kestrel; welcome to the Forum
This may not be the problem in your specific case, but if you have issues with pronation, it can put excess pressure on your knee's supporting structures. If you are unsure about pronation -- or supination -- place your shoes on a flat hard surface and then look at them from the back. Do they have a tilt or lean to them? If such is the case, that is an issue that can be well worth exploring. If this is the case, replacing your shoes with ones that are designed for motion control is the simplest solution to try.
Insert devices like orthotics and third party insoles can also do a lot to keep your feet properly aligned, but they have a hard time overcoming a weak foundation.
So I've never used poles
hi all -- thank you for this forum, I've been reading around and learning lots! I plan to walk the CP from Porto starting in about 3 weeks. On my "training" hikes, I've been experiencing some very mild pain by my knee, seems to be from the tendons or ligaments to side of the kneecap (inner side). I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce the risk of this causing problems on the Caminho -- knee brace? Poles? Other?
More background -- I'm 56 and in good health. My right leg has always been weaker than the left -- I have a little bit of muscle imbalance on the right leg. I practice pilates to strengthen the leg, and I usually have no knee problems. I walk and hike frequently, and with no pack, I have no pain (at distances like 20 km). So I've never used poles or knee braces. However, for the last month I've been hiking with my full Caminho pack as practice. As I get up to 10 km or so, I start to get some minor twinges next to the knee. It goes away pretty easily, especially with rest. But I'd like to support the knee so it doesn't develop a bigger problem.
Since I've never had this problem before, I'm wondering about possible solutions. I am trying to keep my pack light, but am carrying a light sleeping bag and some warmer clothes for October weather. I've got it down to about 8 kg without water (I weigh about 72 kg). My husband and I have extra time, so we plan to take it slow and rest whenever needed (we can spend 3+ weeks on CP, when I understand it can be done in 10 days).
So in addition to 'go slow and rest', anyone have suggestions?
I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce the risk of this causing problems on the Caminho -- knee brace? Poles? Other?
hi all -- thank you for this forum, I've been reading around and learning lots! I plan to walk the CP from Porto starting in about 3 weeks. On my "training" hikes, I've been experiencing some very mild pain by my knee, seems to be from the tendons or ligaments to side of the kneecap (inner side). I'm looking for suggestions on how to reduce the risk of this causing problems on the Caminho -- knee brace? Poles? Other?
More background -- I'm 56 and in good health. My right leg has always been weaker than the left -- I have a little bit of muscle imbalance on the right leg. I practice pilates to strengthen the leg, and I usually have no knee problems. I walk and hike frequently, and with no pack, I have no pain (at distances like 20 km). So I've never used poles or knee braces. However, for the last month I've been hiking with my full Caminho pack as practice. As I get up to 10 km or so, I start to get some minor twinges next to the knee. It goes away pretty easily, especially with rest. But I'd like to support the knee so it doesn't develop a bigger problem.
Since I've never had this problem before, I'm wondering about possible solutions. I am trying to keep my pack light, but am carrying a light sleeping bag and some warmer clothes for October weather. I've got it down to about 8 kg without water (I weigh about 72 kg). My husband and I have extra time, so we plan to take it slow and rest whenever needed (we can spend 3+ weeks on CP, when I understand it can be done in 10 days).
So in addition to 'go slow and rest', anyone have suggestions?
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