What's my problem?

imported
#1

I’m 48 years old. Last year I climbed Katahdin. It was honestly not difficult going up (yes, I cheated and used a loaner “day” pack from the Baxter ranger station). But coming down, you know those rocks you have to scramble down before you get below the treeline, it just about killed my knees. It took several days of careful hiking before the pain went away.

Any thoughts on what my problem was? Would a knee brace(s) be good to wear for similar circumstances? Is it tru that using TWO hiker poles really helps reduce knee strain?

I asked my Doctor about this problem - his only response was that he thinks it’s crazy to be even hiking the Trail!

Brutus

#2

You have that too? Bramble tells me I’m not as young as I used to be…in the body department. Nothing works quite like it used to. She keeps telling me, “Now bla bla hiker is ten years younger than us”. Er, but I still wanna hike like I’m 18.
Warm up first, alot, and stay active. That way when you take on a sudden hard pull up hill or want to do a super long mile day it’s not quite a shock. I was just over reading another hiker’s up coming CDT hike and how she’s getting in shape NOW, months before the hike so it’s just one big roll on without the out-of-the-car syndrome of stiff pieces parts and possible injuries.
Brutus, we bike a lot to keep the muscles limber so our tri yearly marathons hikes don’t hurt. It’s low impact and will definatley help on the knees. Some of us also use Glucosumine with good results.

BW

#3

Thanks for the advice.

As an additional note - my knees never seem to bother me on level ground or when climbing. It’s just the downhill stuff.

I know what you mean about the prepping. In all honesty, I think there is not a lot of conditioning that will help the knee once the gradual deterioration begins. I will follow-up on your mention of Gluco. Thanks!

Brutus

#4

I used Glucosumine for the first couple hundred mile of my thru-hike (until I decided that the bottem was just way to heavy) I used it for a sore back that I have been fighting for the past couple of years (I’m a lot younger than you) Anyway either the stuff work well, or it has a plasibo effect. Either way I stopped using it after a couple hundred mile after I lost a couple unwanted pounds. I also feel that the “Super Feet” brand of insoles were a big help. And of course hiking poles are a big plus for the knees on the down hills, not that hiking poles are a lot of use on that part of Katahdin.

SweetAss

#5

Go to a physical therapist and get tell them your issue. They should give you some good exercises to help strengthen your legs so the muscles do more work and the ligements less work. Mainly quad strengthening I would guess.

Yes, two poles are MUCH better than one. Use the straps like ski poles, so they support your wrists.

Gravity Man

Gravity Man

#6

One thing I forgot to mention regarding a super long mile day - I DON"T DO THEM!!! :slight_smile:

I’m a big believer in moderation. This year I will start at 8 miles per day average 1st week; add 2 miles per week each week after; stay at a total average of 12 miles per day.

I also zero-out every seventh day (for rest and resupply). This works out to a total of 210 total days. You have to have the time and money to manage that; and, you have to leave in early March.

Brutus

#7

Gravity Man - NOW you tell me the trick about using the ski pole straps. Where were you when I followed all of the ultra-elitist’s instructions and cut the straps off my poles to save weight? :slight_smile:

Brutus