medical/injuries

I am interested in hearing about the experiences of anyone who walked a Camino route after having surgery to repair torn peroneal tendons. What was your recovery period from surgery to walking the Camino? Was there any special recovery routine you practiced? And what was your experience walking...

I've read posts in the past which suggested that pilgrims receive free medical treatment for Camino-related problems. A few anecdotes related their experiences in this regard. Others spoke about having to pay up front. Recently I visited new public clinic in Astorga for a consultation about my...

I arrived in Spain on Tuesday (5/7) expecting to start the Norte today. But yesterday, while having a look around Irún, I sat down on a bench. As soon as I sat down, I got this sharp searing pain in my knee. I do have arthritis and have had similar episodes periodically, but they’ve always...

We all know that for a number of people, maybe a lot of people, their Camino doesn't turn out the way they planned. Maybe they even leave it early. We don't hear much from them. They probably end with a lot of complicated feelings and are not likely to spend time talking in Facebook groups or...

Hi everyone, My dad started the Camino two weeks ago from Lourdes, but unfortunately fell ill and is now in the hospital in Pamplona where they just diagnosed a heart condition. He could really use some supplies (as you know pilgrims travel light), but we don't know anyone there and the postal...

Leaving in a week (I will be walking from Leon in June after a month of other travel in Europe) and have to make a decision about the 'second' pair of shoes to take. I have pretty bad plantar fasciitis in one foot and it is too late for any miracle cures, I just need to manage it. I switched...

Hi I'm getting ready for my next Camino. I'd like to get a travel CPAP Machine. There are a few popular travel models out currently. Does anyone have any experience with these units? Do you have any recommendations keeping in mind it's being used on the Camino? Right now I'm looking at the...

Well fellow pilgrims As some of you know shortly after returning home from my first camino in April/May I arrived home and quickly came down with a horrible bout of the flu 🤒 😷 . I unfortunately lost my voice for six months... hmm that’s a long story but suffice it to say I had some long...

I recently had a day in hospital and the medical staff asked for my medical history and current medications. As I have virtually no Spanish it was very frustrating for them as they tried to arrive at a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. I used Google Translate but not the same as having...

I broke my front tooth this evening (on a piece of crusty bread! ) Any advice / experience with dentists in Spain ? No pain , but not attractive! No dental insurance In Palas de Rei

Im in Pontevedra ... I seem to have torn a muscle or tendon in my ankle. I can barely walk now. Taking ibuprofen. Does anyone have any suggestions please?

Hi everyone, I’m currently on day 7 of Camino Frances. Today I’ve noticed numbness around the area of my shoulder straps, a lot of my bag weight is on my hips and I don’t have any shoulder/back pain from my bag though it’s bigger and heavier than I had hoped. Anyone else experienced this and any...

A year ago I was diagnosed with a torn lateral meniscus on my left leg. At that time I received a cortisone shot and have been having no issues up until a couple weeks ago. I’ve been averaging over six miles walking a day. Apple Health tells me I’ve walked about 1300 miles so far this year. When...

I am currently on the Via Gebennensis, and it looks like I might have a case of shin splints. As I would expect, all the advice I get is to stop walking and rest. I would prefer not stopping. I have used Voltaren, and a French pharmacist gave me an alternative, and this has helped. I have also...

What should I do if I find someone who needs help (cannot go on) and I cannot call 112 (no connectivity)? If we are 2 pilgrims, one helps and one goes on to find/call help. And if I am on my own? * Without breathing: breath donation and hoping that someone comes to find/call help. *...

Hi I started walking in the via del la plata in Salamanca on 28 April and two days ago started developing shin splints in my left leg on the outside I am now in vilavella - the climb into Galicia was really hard on the leg i have iced it and the swelling is slightly reduced but still painful...

Hi there, I left SJPDP over a month ago and I'm only half way. About a week into the Camino I started experiencing pain in the arches of my feet, tight and sore and burning. If I wobble on a rock or have to go up hill it's like walking on glass. I start the day ok and about ten km in I have to...

I have asthma and allergies. I am wondering how bad the allergies might be in late September-October from Sarria to SDC? I carry an inhaler and take daily asthma meds. Thanks,

Hi everyone, Yesterday I really hurt my ankle walking from Los Arcos to Sansol. Today I can barely hobble a few steps. I want to see a doctor. Does anyone know where the closest one would be to Sansol? Would it be Los Arcos? Can anyone recommend a doctor who preferably speaks English? Hoping...

Hello good people, I wonder if I could ask you again for some more wonderful wisdom and ideas you all have! I've just come from the doctor and farmacia. I am supposed to take ten days off. And take two types of daily medicine. And when I go back to walking, absolutely no more Norte with its...