I am looking for any inout on what causes or how to avoid stress fractures. Also any information on how to proactive in treating symptoms before problems turn into stress fractures. I have gotten mixed informtaion on the subject.
During a clinic at REI one of the guys really got me spooked about the possiblility of a stress fracture.
also through research I have learned that hernias are less common injuries on a thru-hike. Input is most appreciated.
bono
That’s easy…mostly. They’re caused by, as you guessed, by stress, or more
repetitive stress. The most common ones are to the metatarsals in the feet. Jumping on rocks, improper shoe fit and walking to far on crummy insoles. You’re feet will hurt everyday but the trick is to rest them when you get a chance and stop when they hurt in an unusual way. Stop every few hours and take advantage of all those nice icy streams down south until your dogs get used to the pounding; swelling in a localized area. I’ve also seen one guy with a split femur. He got it from jumping off a ledge with a full pack. A big no-no. Good way to turn your knee into mush. That’s what the trekking poles are for. Learn how to use them correctly. Walk on egg shells for two thousand miles and you’ll make it. Takes a little time to walk like a hiker
Bushwhack
I have been told they can be caused by footwear that is too heavy, or a pack that is to heavye to name a few of a number of casues. Bushwack did you not get a stress fracture scare? Detailed information on this subject is appreciated.
I am down to the last of the compelling questions I have. This subject, hearnias (which I am hoping I do not have) are about it. I am 45 days from my projected start date, have all my gear minus a few minor purchases. I have to admit I am getting pre-trail butterflies. Mostly worried about some kind of injury or illness that I have no control over. My resolve is set.
Anyway I also have made my first journal entry.
bono (like sonny)
bono
Just get yourself in as good a shape as you can prior to leaving. Maybe take 1000mg+ of calcium while you train and while you hike. Try a Multi-vit and minerals incase you’re not getting all you need from your food intake. Try to cut down not just on pack weight, but any excessive body weight (as much as is healthy and if this is applicable). When you reach the start of your hike in shape and hiking light, risk of injuries will be far less. Also, don’t be opposed to starting out easy (short days) and resting frequently. You’ll do alright, happy trails, Bono! PS- everybody gets the butterflies!
Sweeper
I don’t scare and I rock hopped all the way to Maine. You just have to learn how to trip with grace. Stay away from the kids! Those little breaders will give you the grud before you go for sure.
Which type of hernia? The ones wher all your guts spill out on the ground or the ones where your pull the muscle that holds your legs together? The second happens but heals in a week or so…unless it’s Gadget who did one in his sleeping bag, then he got rained on, then he got stung by twenty-seven bees. He’s deathly alergic to bee stings. Not a good day on the Long Trail.
The first, unless you meet a Ninja you’re good to go and you won’t be constipated soooo there you are :>) Don’t worry about what can happen, just get your pack as light as possible and fix problems right then. Don’t walk that funky blister another foot. Got mole skin? Know how to use it? Duck tap? Profins? Calling card? All 800#s for gear?
Rock on!
Sweeper, what’s your e-mail address? You have a new one?
Bushwhack
It isnt up, up yet, you have to go to the main trailjournals page and search bono or to the whats new feature. Only one entry.
bono
Maybe just paranoid, hope its ok. I figure a hot knife and some whiskey slice it open push the gut back in, seam seal and duct tape.
Maybe its just a groin pull. Tip: Don’t throw your pack across a swollen stream over your head fully loaded.
Bono
It’s weird, you can injure stuff on the trail that you never knew you had. Shelter Mange, Shelter Cough, growing mushrooms out of your crotch. They’re all good.
BW
i once thought i had a stress fracture but it turned out to be a partially torn achilles tendon. was off the trail for a week and then everything was great
grizzly adam
Oh yeah, that nasty. Bono, I’ll guess at your age, watch the first hours in the morning for the first few weeks when you start hiking. When it’s cold it is very hard to get those tendons warmed up. Especially in the snow. Some parts of the trail are steeper than 45* and will really strain the ankle parts. You’ll feel them pull and ache. Be careful not to ever extend them or you can rip one. You’re done after that injury. Stretch everything at the shelter an when you take a breaks. We even stuck our ankles in the cook pot in the morning to warm them up before setting out intot he slush for the day. Remember, egg shells, egg shells. At least until spring comes on and it gets warmer. Then you start cranking out those twenties. Ah what a feeling. Twenty miles before sunset. Thirty-three in Pa for me! And a week off for a spazzed shin. Go figger.
Bushwhack