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Wow. Thanks. Wish I had known about these before. I'll try to find a way to make my poles work for me, but if they don't, it's nice to know there is an alternative.I use Pacer Poles, which I learned about on the forum. They were invented by a physiotherapist, and have an ergonomic handle which you don't need to grip tightly. Your hand just sort of rests on it.
Hiking, Walking & Trekking Poles | Pacerpole Walking System
Pacerpole produce ergonomically designed walking and trekking poles. Pacerpoles improve your walking ability and general health. Free worldwide shipping.www.pacerpole.com
I am a huge fan of Pacer poles. I actually just purchased another set to be delivered to my first night's lodging in Irun ( for my upcoming Camino del Norte). However, I received a communication today from Pacer pole letting me know that due to Brexit, its not easy (have to pay an additional tax) to mail product from UK to other EU destinations. I am trying to avoid having to check my poles on my flight.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
I only find a pole necessary on a very few spots on the Camino... going DOWN into Roncesvalles, going DOWN into Zubiri, and going DOWN from Alto Perdon. Otherwise, I really don't use poles. I don't like carrying them. I'm 70 this year.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
Do not despair, but experiment.Wish I had known about these before.
Interesting and not particularly encouraging. I have never used poles, but have been thinking about trying them as my balance is slightly less and the hip aches seem to last longer after I walk.Advancing arthritis, substantially impaired left hand due to Dupuytren's's Contracture....
I've used poles, but no more. I find that I now walk better without them.
PacerPoles are the answer. Find them online. Worth it!Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
I can’t opine on the mechanics of hiking poles, but do know that I don’t take a step on any camino without them. I have good, pop-on rubber tips that go on when the trail goes on asphalt.I, too, only see the utility of poles on steep ascents and descents,
Hi , yes I too have arthritis in my thumb joints, found ordinary walking poles painful to use, worth investing in pacer poles, they really are a comfort on the hands .I expect that I am older than some people out there!
I have some arthritis in my thumbs, but haven't found it an issue with poles. You need to use the wrist straps properly - watch this video to see how to put them on - so you don't need to grip the poles tightly with your hands.
If you still have a problem, you might want to look at Pacer Poles, which are quite different, and said to be particularly good for arthritic hands.
Same for me , I use only one pole …especially on the places you mentioned ! I am 68I only find a pole necessary on a very few spots on the Camino... going DOWN into Roncesvalles, going DOWN into Zubiri, and going DOWN from Alto Perdon. Otherwise, I really don't use poles. I don't like carrying them. I'm 70 this year.
No, they can only be ordered directly from Pacer Pole.Other than ordering Pacer Poles without trying them, are they available in shops in Pamplona or SJPP?
Like @peregrina2000 I use my poles for every part of the Camino - except when walking through busy towns and cities. They are much more useful in my hands than adding weight to my backpack.Thanks, everyone. I, too, only see the utility of poles on steep ascents and descents, but had the idea that a lot of people us them all the time.
I use arthritis compression gloves. I find they really help my hands.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
I am by no means an expert, but if you did not shorten your poles for the upward ascent, you might have been working too hard which might be why your hands are complaining.Thanks, everyone. I, too, only see the utility of poles on steep ascents and descents, but had the idea that a lot of people us them all the time. Yesterday I walked up a steep, icy bluff and was truly grateful for them! I probably was gripping too hard, as they were truly keeping me from falling.
No, you must purchase them on the website. I have pacer poles. I like them, but I won't take them on the Camino unless I"m staying in private lodgings because some albergues won't let you take them with you to your bed and make you put them in a barrel. After paying all that $$$ I don't want them stolen. I find it a lot easier just to pick up a wooden stick in SJPP or Pamplona - then if it gets taken or I leave it at a bar it's no biggie.Other than ordering Pacer Poles without trying them, are they available in shops in Pamplona or SJPP?
I've never had any problem bringing my collapsed Pacer Poles attached to my backpack into the dorm. I have on occasion left them in the barrel. I don't think that most pilgrims would recognize them as being more expensive, and they are not any more expensive than some of the Leki and Black Diamond poles that other pilgrims use.have pacer poles. I like them, but I won't take them on the Camino unless I"m staying in private lodgings because some albergues won't let you take them with you to your bed and make you put them in a barrel. After paying all that $$$ I don't want them stolen.
Thank you - this is what I was going to say! Proper use of poles doesn't require a tight grip at all. In fact - I usually hold mine fairly loosely on most surfaces. This should not only eliminate arthritis flareups - but also - you shouldn't get blisters from your poles.I expect that I am older than some people out there!
I have some arthritis in my thumbs, but haven't found it an issue with poles. You need to use the wrist straps properly - watch this video to see how to put them on - so you don't need to grip the poles tightly with your hands.
If you still have a problem, you might want to look at Pacer Poles, which are quite different, and said to be particularly good for arthritic hands.
You are right. It was just a suggestion, because it seems the Pacer Poles are available from the UK and the ones I mentioned can be found here. I thought that poles like the Komperdell might be helpful to someone with arthritis. If I were to buy them I would probably consider going to REI and try them out. Or I would order online , try them at home and if they are not comfortable return them.Those Komperdell poles and the ones @Arniece2022 linked to from Decathlon have a different grip than traditional poles, but they really don't have the same type of angled ergonomic handles as Pacer Poles.
Perhaps, but I can't afford to lose them.I've never had any problem bringing my collapsed Pacer Poles attached to my backpack into the dorm. I have on occasion left them in the barrel. I don't think that most pilgrims would recognize them as being more expensive, and they are not any more expensive than some of the Leki and Black Diamond poles that other pilgrims use.
You are right. A different shaped handle may help some people.You are right. It was just a suggestion. I just thought that poles like the Komperdell might be helpful to someone with arthritis. If I were to buy them I would probably consider going to REI and try them out. Or I would order online , try them at home and if they are not comfortable return them.
The good thing about poles , they reduce the weight thru the hip joints. Use short gloves to reduce the push into your hands. Even those fingerless gloves. I’m a Physio ! XDo any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
Absolutely! I have been using hiking pole since I was younger, much youngerIt has probably been said here already, but I want to emphasize, that using poles is not restricted to "older" pilgrims.
Actually, I am planning on buying hiking poles in Oviedo and the Decathlon store is not too far from where I'm stayingYou are right. A different shaped handle may help some people.
However, PacerPoles are really not that expensive, at least when compared to other higher end hiking poles. They are £102/pair including shipping to the US. According to the currency converter that I checked that's $133 today.
At $20 each, the poles from Decathlon are worth considering, especially since the grip is more angled.
View attachment 120619
Here are the Decathlon poles on the US Decathlon site
Decathlon | Move people through the wonders of sport
Every day, we strive to make sport yours: enabling everyone to participate, celebrating all the emotions of sport, and changing your relationship with it.www.decathlon.com
I have terrible hand issues! However, I had a person at the sports shop in SJPP help me adjust my poles for me (not used them much beforehand) and she also gave me instructions as to how to use them with out gripping them as hard -- it really helped! Good luck.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
Wow! I had never used poles before starting on my Camino. But I credit them with saving me from 3 nasty falls along with helping my lower back and hips!I only find a pole necessary on a very few spots on the Camino... going DOWN into Roncesvalles, going DOWN into Zubiri, and going DOWN from Alto Perdon. Otherwise, I really don't use poles. I don't like carrying them. I'm 70 this year.
I like your sense of humor! I'm 75 and am planning my first Camino for Sept 2022!Proper use of the strap was the key for me but I am only 75 and this is about older people.
Those Decatholon poles look pretty darned good.You are right. A different shaped handle may help some people.
However, PacerPoles are really not that expensive, at least when compared to other higher end hiking poles. They are £102/pair including shipping to the US. According to the currency converter that I checked that's $133 today.
At $20 each, the poles from Decathlon are worth considering, especially since the grip is more angled.
View attachment 120619
Here are the Decathlon poles on the US Decathlon site
Decathlon | Move people through the wonders of sport
Every day, we strive to make sport yours: enabling everyone to participate, celebrating all the emotions of sport, and changing your relationship with it.www.decathlon.com
Price means a lot to me right now. This is my first Camino, so I have put money into a good backpack, shoes and rain poncho. I already have all those items plus poles, but not ones I would use for this type of trek. So I was quite happy to see these poles, at that price and it's a bonus they are at Decathlon so I can purchase them after I arrive in Spain and not worry about checking them on the plane. My next Camino I will put money into Merino items. Money on my third Camino may go to Pacers as by then my age might insist on it. See how that happened? I don't leave for another 29 days and I'm already planning my 3rd Camino, jejeje....Those Decatholon poles look pretty darned good.
I realize everyone has a different sized budget - $133 is a lot for me - more than 12% of a month's income.
So I was quite happy to see these poles, at that price and it's a bonus they are at Decathlon so I can purchase them after I arrive in Spain and not worry about checking them on the plane
Yes, good point. I'll be in Madrid overnight and a few days in Pomplona so I had planned to check online at the various stores the day before I leave.Like any other retail store you can't rely on every Decathlon location to have every item in stock. You can check on Decathlon's Spanish website to see if the store you will be going to has what you want.
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Compra en Decathlon 1 bastón caña de senderismo - MT100 ergonómico Nuestros diseñadores te proponen este bastón con un sistema de agarre innovador para aportar seguridad y un confort óptimo durante las salidas de senderismo.www.decathlon.es
When you are in Spain, and check which stores have them in stock you can reserve them online to pick up at the store.Yes, good point. I'll be in Madrid overnight and a few days in Pomplona so I had planned to check online at the various stores the day before I leave.
Oh perfect! Thanks so much for that tip!When you are in Spain, and check which stores have them in stock you can reserve them online to pick up at the store.
Exactly. I saw only a few people holding the poles correctly—inserting your hand from below, then dropping your hand and and letting the strap take the weight of your hand. Held that way, nothing more than an extremely light grip is needed. In fact you barely need to close your hand around the handle. You’ll know who is using them correctly, as they will have that telltale white stripe across the back of their hand.I expect that I am older than some people out there!
I have some arthritis in my thumbs, but haven't found it an issue with poles. You need to use the wrist straps properly - watch this video to see how to put them on - so you don't need to grip the poles tightly with your hands.
If you still have a problem, you might want to look at Pacer Poles, which are quite different, and said to be particularly good for arthritic hands.
I use poles. I find my hands swell up less and I like the stability they provide.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
Use the poles/straps and most of the pressure goes to the base of the thumb and the back of the hand. You do not need to grasp the pole grip with your fingers. Ask a skier how to use poles properly - many hikers don’t know how.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
I changed from pacer poles because I found myself leaning on them too much and wrists going numb - i prefer leki antishock and use wrist straps alwaysWow. Thanks. Wish I had known about these before. I'll try to find a way to make my poles work for me, but if they don't, it's nice to know there is an alternative.
Try Black diamond distance FLZ poles. They collapse to 37cms so fit in a day pack. I have just bought another pair (having used them for many years. Worn out now) for $AU 169.90. AnnI am a huge fan of Pacer poles. I actually just purchased another set to be delivered to my first night's lodging in Irun ( for my upcoming Camino del Norte). However, I received a communication today from Pacer pole letting me know that due to Brexit, its not easy (have to pay an additional tax) to mail product from UK to other EU destinations. I am trying to avoid having to check my poles on my flight.
I digress. Pacer poles are excellent though.
Annie - Before arriving at an albergue, we dismantle our Pacers and put them in the Pacer bag and then put that in our backpack. Our poles are hidden and safer that way.No, you must purchase them on the website. I have pacer poles. I like them, but I won't take them on the Camino unless I"m staying in private lodgings because some albergues won't let you take them with you to your bed and make you put them in a barrel. After paying all that $$$ I don't want them stolen. I find it a lot easier just to pick up a wooden stick in SJPP or Pamplona - then if it gets taken or I leave it at a bar it's no biggie.
I heartily endorse everything in this post, and so does my Physio (who introduced me to Nordic Walking and poles over 5 years ago). It is not difficult to learn the walking techniques using poles, but neither is it intuitive - you need to learn and practice. I'll celebrate my 69th birthday on the Via Tolosana in May and I'm getting extra practice in now (walked to the local polling station yesterday for our State elections)... see photo, note poles:Poles are helpful at all times on the hiking trail but only if you've learned how to use them correctly and taken the time to practice using them. I'm not sure of the value of buying poles in SJPP, for example, and using them the first time on the stage to Roncesvalles. Many walkers on the camino use poles perhaps because they think they're supposed to use poles, but their arrhythmic tapping, randomly placed tips, and oddly angled poles show they're not benefiting at all but are simply carrying them.
If you use straps correctly, you won't use your hands to hold the poles; the correctly placed strap around your wrist allows wrist, arm, and upper body strength to work as a unit to push the the pole against the ground to propel you forward. Your very loose grip serves as a kind of stop to keep the top of the pole from moving about, but your hands does none of the actual work of pushing off. In addition, if you use the straps correctly, you will not risk breaking a bone in case you fall forward onto your hands, a fear that is often expressed in this forum when the topic of poles is discussed. I recommend this video as on using straps and poles: How to Use Trekking Poles (Like a Boss)
I use poles for hiking just like I use poles for cross-country skiing, following the Nordic style. I can't imagine that even those who doubt the value of hiking poles on flat ground could see themselves (or anyone) cross-country skiing without poles. Poles propel you forward on flat ground just as they do on snow, reducing the work of lower body muscles. The key is learning how to use poles and then practicing so that walking with poles becomes second nature; for example, I can adjust from flat ground to an incline and then swing the poles in front of me for a descent, all without losing stride or rhythm and all without thinking about what I have to do. But then again, I have used poles on every hike and every walk (even to the library) for the last 10-15 years.
High quality caps for the tips are an absolute necessity, and they make using poles on paved surfaces possible.
And in case anyone is wondering, I'm in my late 60s.
Yes, of course I do that also where allowed. However, there are some places that do not allow even that.Annie - Before arriving at an albergue, we dismantle our Pacers and put them in the Pacer bag and then put that in our backpack. Our poles are hidden and safer that way.
But, I'm read somewhere that some albergues are prohibiting backpacks in the sleeping area to prevent bedbugs. If that's true, those with light fingers are going to have a field day unless lockers are available for use.
But yeah - we love our Pacer poles!
It's totally a personal thing. We always walk with poles. Stranger to become part of the rhythm, part of the prayers. Then and consciously keep me from putting a hand in my pocket for having my hands swell. Totally personal preference.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
Yes, I found that in Salamanca, but I simply do not understand the logic. People take their sleeping bags and clothes into the dorm, expose them to bedbugs, and then bring them back to their backpacks. How does that help?I'm read somewhere that some albergues are prohibiting backpacks in the sleeping area to prevent bedbugs.
I use my poles at home too, and use them as above, sometimes one will do but my balance can be dicey.I expect that I am older than some people out there!
I have some arthritis in my thumbs, but haven't found it an issue with poles. You need to use the wrist straps properly - watch this video to see how to put them on - so you don't need to grip the poles tightly with your hands.
If you still have a problem, you might want to look at Pacer Poles, which are quite different, and said to be particularly good for arthritic hands.
Like any other retail store you can't rely on every Decathlon location to have every item in stock. You can check on Decathlon's Spanish website to see if the store you will be going to has what you want.
1 bastón caña de senderismo - MT100 ergonómico
Compra en Decathlon 1 bastón caña de senderismo - MT100 ergonómico Nuestros diseñadores te proponen este bastón con un sistema de agarre innovador para aportar seguridad y un confort óptimo durante las salidas de senderismo.www.decathlon.es
we used poles for the Camino and found them invaluable for going up and down steep slopes as well as for keeping balance in rough or slippery terrain. We saw a number of people fall without poles and several were seriously injured causing them to quit or pause their Camino. A light grip using wrist straps works well.Do any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
Check out pacer poles. Especially designed for people with arthritisDo any of you have trouble with trekking poles exacerbating arthritis in your hands? I really want to use them, but a couple of joints are already arguing with me after only a couple of days of use. I'd appreciate knowing how you handle it.
I suppose gently treading on the clamp locks would work if you don't have the power in your hands?@Jeff Crawley reminded me of another point. I had a pair of poles that twisted to lock and unlock. With the arthritis in my hands I struggled to tighten and loosen them. I got a pair of black diamonds that clamp into place -- works perfectly for m.
Update - had a chat with my friend Barbara this morning. She said the Decathlon poles worked out well and the hand grips plus fingerless cycling gloves were comfortable although she found she didn't need two so gave one away to a lady who developed a knee problem.One thing to be wary of on the Decathlon poles is that they lock into position using a sprung button not clamps or twist locks.
A friend bought two as she didn't want to lash out on Pacers - she'd tried mine and loved them but I've reached a stage where I no longer lend out favourite books, tools or equipment for fear of never seeing them again.
Of course the most suitable adjustment for her didn't fall in one of the designed holes - I seem to remember they are set 5cm apart?
We ended up marking each pole in two places (for going up and down hills), disassembling them and carefully drilling additional holes. Not sure if that weakened them at all but they worked out reasonably well for her although it was a lot of faffing about.
Oh, she's 5'4" tall (163cm) but long(ish) leg/short torso so I don't know if that makes any difference to the fit but I haven't seen her use them again since her Camino in 2019.
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