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Ah... my body -- best friend and worst enemy! So, what kind of pain is worth resting for? What kind of pain can I (temporarily) just live with? Any other useful "rules" to keep in mind? Thanks, SY!Pain that doesn't go away with rest, or even gets worse despite of rest!, should always be properly diagnosed also if you have other symptoms. Hot spots and other things - One of the joys of the Camino is to learn to listen and understand your body. Buen Camino, SY
Really? Can you name one that isn't. Even muscle soreness at the end of the day is a sign that your muscles need rest and recovery to be ready for the next day's walking. I am convinced that pilgrims, in their determination to complete their pilgrimage, ignore more pain that they should. I wouldn't recommend ignoring any ache or pain, but there are some one might expect to be able to treat effectively without seeking medical advice. Muscle soreness and blisters are two that come to mind.Not all aches and pains are bad.
Well, I know from experience/listening to my body, that glowing foot soles are not necessarily bad. In my case, they do not result in hot spots. My shoulders will react to the pack without it resulting in real problems. I'll just take it as something to be expected and after some days it will disappear. I am used to carrying much larger packs in Lapland (tent, mattress, large sleeping bag, field kitchen, fuel, food etc.). Even smaller packs can cause problems, though. My question arose from my time on the P.C. Virtually every morning I felt a pain from my knee to my hip (right leg). I decided to see if it got any worse and in the end walked to SdC in spite of it. What I am looking for is advice for inexperienced walkers: where can you expect to have some discomfort? What should you react to rather yesterday than today? I expect most complaints to result from feet/stomach/knees/hips/shoulders/back issues. I am no expert, so I ask.Really? Can you name one that isn't. Even muscle soreness at the end of the day is a sign that your muscles need rest and recovery to be ready for the next day's walking. I am convinced that pilgrims, in their determination to complete their pilgrimage, ignore more pain that they should. I wouldn't recommend ignoring any ache or pain, but there are some one might expect to be able to treat effectively without seeking medical advice. Muscle soreness and blisters are two that come to mind.
Also legs (obvious reason), and head (sunstroke, dehydration). That pretty much covers the whole body.I expect most complaints to result from feet/stomach/knees/hips/shoulders/back issues.
I have already suggested that pilgrims ignore more pain than they should, and it is reasonable to infer from your post that you were prepared to ignore some joint and bone pain that might indicate a deeper seated problem than simple post-activity soreness.Well, I know from experience/listening to my body, that glowing foot soles are not necessarily bad. In my case, they do not result in hot spots. My shoulders will react to the pack without it resulting in real problems. I'll just take it as something to be expected and after some days it will disappear. I am used to carrying much larger packs in Lapland (tent, mattress, large sleeping bag, field kitchen, fuel, food etc.). Even smaller packs can cause problems, though. My question arose from my time on the P.C. Virtually every morning I felt a pain from my knee to my hip (right leg). I decided to see if it got any worse and in the end walked to SdC in spite of it. What I am looking for is advice for inexperienced walkers: where can you expect to have some discomfort? What should you react to rather yesterday than today? I expect most complaints to result from feet/stomach/knees/hips/shoulders/back issues. I am no expert, so I ask.
I have already suggested that pilgrims ignore more pain than they should, and it is reasonable to infer from your post that you were prepared to ignore some joint and bone pain that might indicate a deeper seated problem than simple post-activity soreness.
The advice from @SYates appears sound - seek medical treatment for pain that doesn't dissipate with rest. What I would add is that this is not a reason to delay treating some pain, like hot-spots, which should be dealt with immediately.
So I go back to my earlier advice - do not ignore any ache or pain - it will be a symptom of something you need to address. Sometimes the treatment might be as simple as removing one's pack, and getting the weight of one's feet for a few minutes during the day, or resting well at night. Or it could be treating a hot spot immediately before it becomes a fully formed blister. I could go on. But if any serious pain persists after rest, then I would be recommending you seek proper medical advice.
And may I add: be careful with buying over the counter meds at a pharmacy. Better double check with a gp/ doctor. Not all painkillers are suitable for all patients. Just think about certain allergies. Also the dosage in grams can vary from country to country.
What did you use a crème or just waiting till it went away?Plenty of times! in my case it was a simple skin irritation because of socks not rinsed properly after washing, dust from the road, pollen, sun, minor movement of socks that aggravated the skin irritation etc. Buen Camino, SY
Yes, that was the question. But there is no simple answer except what has been stated.I think the OP is asking for how you know a pain you address verses expected soreness, so you when to act
@Nanc, do you have suggestions on this other than the ones already given?I think the OP is asking for how you know a pain you address verses expected soreness, so you when to act
I disagree with three out of this six being 'normal'.ok here are things i would call "normal"
blisters once not infected
muscle soreness that reduces with rest
general fatigue at the end of the day
tender soles of feet due to the constant pounding of the road
tired shoulders that reduces with rest
slightly swolen hands when walking
any more for this list.....
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