Carol,
I took a pair of Leki trekking poles in 2005. They take approx 30% - 40% of your weight off your knees and ankles. I never had a problem with my knees, ankles or feet on what used to be Trek 21 in the north country. They also saved me from a couple of sliding falls or trips on rocks. I highly recommend them and use them whenever I backpack. They can also be used for the dining fly. The main thing is to use them correctly. When you do, you feel it in your arms, because you are pushing down with them and your arms are picking up the load. You can shorten them for uphill and lengthen them for downhill. What else can I say.
Bob
Troop 895
Richardson TX
---- Carol <caroline416@comcast.net> wrote:
=============
Hello Phil Loop,
The last time I went overnight backpacking, to my surprise, I had horrible knee pain during the end of a 6-mile/day-one hike. I packed about 30lbs (I'm 5'1, f, --early forties), and arrived at camp after a high elevation steep hike up slippery granite rock steps adjascent to wet waterfalls -- the last several hundred feet of which I was in mucho amounts of pain in my right knee. Part of the problem was simply attempting to keep up with over-eager, strong, and FAST Venture scouts without twisting an ankle in the process.
I limped quite a bit while setting up my tent and cooking dinner; and was in horrible pain that evening if I put any weight on that knee. I had to sit and observe (not participate in) a lively game of Capture the Flag. I was, fortunately, able to make it out the next day under my own steam with the aid of several 600mg Motrins (throughout the morning), having an easier downhill grade, and slower scouts...but I had fretted about it so much the previous night, a peaceful sleep was elusive for me. This came as a surprise because I wasn't winded (much), nor having any other pain; and would have had otherwise a perfect, puffed-up <grin>, weekend.
So...what can I do to prevent this from happening again? I'm very worried that my knee will give me problems again on our next hike, as a month later, it is still tender at times. Does anyone have any advice? I'm wondering if high-top hiking boots would make a definitive difference? Are there any specific knee conditioning exercises out there?
Keep in mind that I am looking for self-help pointers from those who have been there-done that, not medical advice (of course). I will go that route if I feel I need to. Wer'e doing the Philmont Cavalcade in '09 (horses) so I'm not as worried, but do want to address this problem. Thanks in advance to all who want to share their pain (knee pain!) with me! LOL
Caroline Paniccia
BSA Troop 864, Cordelia, CA
and Venture Crew 864, Cordelia, CA
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
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loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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Received on Fri Jul 25 14:32:34 2008
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