Walking the Camino with knee bursitis

[Medilembas]

Hi people!

I've been looking forward to walking the Camino (from Porto, i.e. ~240 km) for a long time.
I finally have time now in April, but 8 months ago I got an overuse injury in my right knee following a half-marathon I hadn't properly trained for (I've since wised up). The result was bursitis right below the kneecap that still isn't gone today. I can mostly just "feel" there's inflammation, and when it does cause pain, it's never more than a 2-3 out of 10.

My knee specialist isn't worried about me walking the Camino, as he thinks the worst thing that can happen is just pain, but not any "permanent" damage.
But I'm a real worrywart... so I'd like love to hear if anybody else has tried walking the Camino with a similar condition? Did you wear a brace, take some more days' rest etc.?

Thanks so much for any input

 

[markie6]

Walked my second with a torn meniscus, was only really a problem at night with the ache and apparently I limped a lot ( others noticed not me )

Doctors advice beats internet advice every day though

 

[Tincatinker]

@Medilembas, welcome to this forum.. It is an excellent resource for all, or at least most, things Camino.

So, you've consulted a health professional who has given you their professional opinion and you've posted the question you've previously put to a qualified person to the internet where there are possibly every possible opinion on any topic ever. Why?

Bursitis of the knee joint is unusual but not unlikely. Meanwhile my advice is follow medical advice

 

[Lucho]

Hi. I tore my ACL last fall. Was planning a Camino this spring. I just met with my surgeon for the 12-week follow up (a checkpoint in ACL recovery) and he gave me the okay for my April Camino. Like you, my concern was whether all the walking could cause damage. Like you, he told me that it could be sore or swell a bit, but it won't cause long term damage.

So what I'm doing is walking a lot around town. Starting now with 2 mile roundtrip walks to town center for coffee, errands, etc.. Then maybe I'll start some 4mi, then 8mi, etc. I just want to see how sore my knee gets with extensive walking. If I can do 8-10mi without any significant soreness, I know I'll be fine on the Camino. That's my approach!

Oh, and I will bring a light knee brace on the Camino just in case, but something not expensive so I can ditch it without guilt if after 1-2 weeks I'm not using it.

 

[Frankybaby66]

Hi people!

I've been looking forward to walking the Camino (from Porto, i.e. ~240 km) for a long time.
I finally have time now in April, but 8 months ago I got an overuse injury in my right knee following a half-marathon I hadn't properly trained for (I've since wised up). The result was bursitis right below the kneecap that still isn't gone today. I can mostly just "feel" there's inflammation, and when it does cause pain, it's never more than a 2-3 out of 10.

My knee specialist isn't worried about me walking the Camino, as he thinks the worst thing that can happen is just pain, but not any "permanent" damage.
But I'm a real worrywart... so I'd like love to hear if anybody else has tried walking the Camino with a similar condition? Did you wear a brace, take some more days' rest etc.?

Thanks so much for any input

I managed to develop hip bursitis when I walked the Camino Frances way back in 2016 ( yes, I'm really old!). I was OK all the way from SJPDP to around half way across the Meseta, then it kicked in. To be honest, I noticed it most at night when in bed. I didn't take any more rest days because of it, but backed off the pace a bit and took more breaks during the day.
Because I walk with a water-bladder, I think I'd fallen into the trap of too few drink breaks as I had water to hand. I was also probably pushing my pace to match others around me. Both schoolboy errors, but it was my first Camino.
Done four more since then without issues - probably just a bit wiser!
Think the best (general) advice I got was, to do a mental check of all things physical ( feet, legs, shoulders etc etc) around once an hour. Any issues, no matter how minor, deal with them immediately.
Good advice, but even more so if you know you are already carrying an injury.
Good Luck, and Buen Camino

 

[davebugg]

Hi people!

I've been looking forward to walking the Camino (from Porto, i.e. ~240 km) for a long time.
I finally have time now in April, but 8 months ago I got an overuse injury in my right knee following a half-marathon I hadn't properly trained for (I've since wised up). The result was bursitis right below the kneecap that still isn't gone today. I can mostly just "feel" there's inflammation, and when it does cause pain, it's never more than a 2-3 out of 10.

My knee specialist isn't worried about me walking the Camino, as he thinks the worst thing that can happen is just pain, but not any "permanent" damage.
But I'm a real worrywart... so I'd like love to hear if anybody else has tried walking the Camino with a similar condition? Did you wear a brace, take some more days' rest etc.?

Thanks so much for any input

Your doctor has the most insightful and documented information about your individual case. If you are needing a second opinion to set your mind at ease, then my recommendation is to seek another medical specialist to also examine your knee and the medical records pertaining to your diagnosis, prognoses, and all assessment workups involving radiography. . MRI, xrays, etc.

The first question I have asked with a musculo-skeletal injury and a desire to be active: "Is there a real risk of further injury or deterioration if I get active?"

The second question is: "If I experience pain, does the pain signify that I am further creating damage or just something I need to work with?"

 

[Robo]

Just to follow on from @davebugg 's great response.

I suffer from Bursitis on one knee, split meniscus, manageable achilles tendonitis and at times plantaar faciitis. But our conditions are all different and can require different treatment and management.

So no point really in saying how I manage it......

Over the years I have sought professional advice from a number of sources. Not this Forum

My Doctor
Podiatrist
Various Physios
and had numerous scans at various stages to check if things are getting worse.

I have a check prior to each Camino.
And I get updated scans and specific injections.

The result of this is, that I know:

How severe any damage might be.
If walking will make it worse.
How to safely self treat with strapping, stretching, or medications.
And at what stage..........I should seek medical attention or stop.

With that knowledge, I managed a 1200 km Camino last year without any severe discomfort or further damage.

Make your medical professionals your best friends

 

[lovelyshell]

I don’t have knee bursitis but I did have two minuscule surgeries before my first Camino and I was concerned because I occasionally would have knee buckling. So before my Camino I got injections into my knee by my knee surgeon. I can’t remember what kind of injections they were but in 2016 they cost me like $2500 for both knees, which is a lot of money but it really helped and to this day I haven’t had any buckling. I also wore neoprene knee sleeves on each knee which was particularly helpful for downhill. I also wore them last year when I did the Portuguese.

 

[Medilembas]

Thanks so much for all the detailed responses!

I definitely see your point(s) - I should trust the professionals. But I'm glad to hear people have tried and succeeded with similar injuries
Good luck on your Camino Lucho!

 

[HeidiL]

I've walked the last 2000 km with hip bursitis - and my physician is fine with it.

Listen to your Medicine Man/Woman.

 

[Shazzza]

Hi people!

I've been looking forward to walking the Camino (from Porto, i.e. ~240 km) for a long time.
I finally have time now in April, but 8 months ago I got an overuse injury in my right knee following a half-marathon I hadn't properly trained for (I've since wised up). The result was bursitis right below the kneecap that still isn't gone today. I can mostly just "feel" there's inflammation, and when it does cause pain, it's never more than a 2-3 out of 10.

My knee specialist isn't worried about me walking the Camino, as he thinks the worst thing that can happen is just pain, but not any "permanent" damage.
But I'm a real worrywart... so I'd like love to hear if anybody else has tried walking the Camino with a similar condition? Did you wear a brace, take some more days' rest etc.?

Thanks so much for any input

Hi! I have the same issue (have not walked the Camino yet). I heard about Stoko pants and how great they are. I tried them on here in Canada and they felt amazing! Great knee support. Not inexpensive but worth it to have less pain while hiking and walking. Wanted to share.

 

[David Tallan]

@Medilembas, welcome to this forum.. It is an excellent resource for all, or at least most, things Camino.

So, you've consulted a health professional who has given you their professional opinion and you've posted the question you've previously put to a qualified person to the internet where there are possibly every possible opinion on any topic ever. Why?

Bursitis of the knee joint is unusual but not unlikely. Meanwhile my advice is follow medical advice

The medical advice said it is okay to walk the Camino but that there would be likely to be some pain. The medical advice didn't include strategies for coping with the pain. I don't think it is unreasonable, in this case, to come to the forum and ask how others may have coped and what strategies worked best for them. In fact, I think that's what this particular forum is for. YMMV.

Medilembas had clearly sought medical advice and was following it. I'm not sure why you are taking them to task.

 

[Tincatinker]

I'm not sure why you are taking them to task.

I do not think that I took @Medilembas to task. I simply re-emphasised the importance of taking and following medical advice. A stance this forum adhered to throughout the Covid epidemic and in other instances where individuals have sought illness and injury related advice.

I note the OP had the courtesy to add a "like" to my post. I'll assume they were comfortable with my phrasing

 

[joeboybollo]

Hello Medimemblas, you've had some good advice already,but I'll give you my recent experience for what its worth.
In May/June this year I walked up the coast from Porto to Caminha,then along the Minho estuary and joined the main route at Tui,and up to Santiago. Loved the walk.I've had a troublesome knee for many many years caused by a sports injury,torn meniscus. Its left me with a very slight limp.This time I took along a knee brace but never used it.After.the first day or so.I found the cronic but low scale pain(3 /4 out of 10 at its worst) just completely eased.I was careful however to stop every one and half to two hour to air my feet and have a little rest.I also always kept well hydrated and always carried some light food or trail mix. I mostly walked alone,which,this time around,suited me very well.The whole experience was great,the scenery was great and I did end up making some good friends from Arizona as our paths kept crossing and we spent lots of time together over the last 2 or 3 days.I walked between 12 and 18 miles daily over 12 days.
My knee pain eased almost totally.I never used the brace and I think the walk actually strengthened the knee and its been good now for the last 6 months or so. Your doctor said it'll be ok and I'm pretty sure it will be.Enjoy the experience.

 

[DBC]

Hi people!

I've been looking forward to walking the Camino (from Porto, i.e. ~240 km) for a long time.
I finally have time now in April, but 8 months ago I got an overuse injury in my right knee following a half-marathon I hadn't properly trained for (I've since wised up). The result was bursitis right below the kneecap that still isn't gone today. I can mostly just "feel" there's inflammation, and when it does cause pain, it's never more than a 2-3 out of 10.

My knee specialist isn't worried about me walking the Camino, as he thinks the worst thing that can happen is just pain, but not any "permanent" damage.
But I'm a real worrywart... so I'd like love to hear if anybody else has tried walking the Camino with a similar condition? Did you wear a brace, take some more days' rest etc.?

Thanks so much for any input

All the advice above re medical opinion + factor 1-2 rest days into your planning in case you need them.
Ice cubes from a local bar wrapped in a wet tea (drying) towel at the end of the day also brings relief. Tea towel weighs almost nothing, dries quickly in the outside of your pack.

 

[Barney12]

Hi there Medilembas.. I too have knee issues along with muscle atrophy of right thigh. I used a knee brace when I thought there would be downhill walking... I also took anti inflammatories when and if needed.. usually at night after a hard days walking. Using poles might also be useful. Good luck.. Buen camino!

 

[Donna Sch]

I have had pes anserinus bursitis. Found some online k-taping videos for that and that was surprisingly effective. Certainly stopped it worsening.

 

[ChrissyandElise]

@Medilembas - I also have knee issues and sought medical advice prior to my May 2024 Camino. Also was told that I would not do any long term damage so go ahead & enjoy. My doc advised that 2 Aleve in the morning and 2 Aleve at night for pain is fine as needed (noting, the bottle dosing says 1 and 1). Aleve is 220mg per pill of naproxen sodium if you live somewhere that doesn't have this brand. I guess better than ibuprofen on your liver. Buen Camino!

 

[ChrissyandElise]

My knee pain eased almost totally.I never used the brace and I think the walk actually strengthened the knee and its been good now for the last 6 months or so.

@joeboybollo - this is encouraging for all of us with knee pain, getting ready to head out! Thank you!