LIVE from the Camino Injury Advice

[The Camino Calls]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

 

[C clearly]

other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so.

Please ignore those other pilgrims. Besides, we have asterisks on many many aspects of our lives - those are the interesting details.

Are you using poles? Are you trying to keep up with a schedule? I suggest getting to Logrono without walking, rest a couple of days, and then decide.

 

[The Camino Calls]

Please ignore those other pilgrims. Besides, we have asterisks on many many aspects of our lives - those are the interesting details.

Are you using poles? Are you trying to keep up with a schedule? I suggest getting to Logrono without walking, rest a couple of days, and then decide.

I am, indeed, walking with poles and attempting to stay on a schedule. I think that’s a great idea.

 

[J Willhaus]

If this is your first Camino, you are on a time constraint, and you want a compostella, rest and if you are better maybe try to do the last 100 km at a slower pace? Despite what your walking companions think, that is what matters to the pilgrim office. Not how far you have walked, but that you did walk the last 100 km.

 

[alexwalker]

A thought: Maybe you can skip some harder areas, like Cruz de Ferro/Ocebreiro?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

On my first camino I had left knee problems. I paid close attention to how I was walking. I noticed that my left foot twisted to the inside on each step (That is called pronation, supination can cause problems too). That put a little twist to the knee with each step. I wadded tissue paper under the arch of my insole and the knee started to get better. This happened at about the same place on the CF that you are at and I made to SdC. I had to keep adding tissue for a few days to make up for compression. I still have the same paper in my boots six years later.

You might get the same twisting problem if the soles of your footwear are worn unevenly between left and right side of each sole. I would recommend buying something new in this case.

For some financial advice I say that if you go to a clinic try hard to pay the bill there (Peg needed a clinic's help twice, the bills were low compared to the US). If you get a bill at home it is difficult and expensive to pay it from the US. Instead of a credit card payment they will expect a bank transfer which is cheap or free in the EU but not in the US and then there is extra paperwork needed so the government knows you aren't funding foreign terrorists.

If stuck not walking besides busing the CF you could head to the beaches in the south or stay put and take Spanish or cooking lessons.

 

[Walkerooni]

Whether running or walking, the hardest thing on the knees is going downhill, and most people forget to train the legs for downhill. I think that is why we read about so many people on the forum saying their Camino ended in the first week. The descents from Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Alto Perdon are no joke. RICE—rest, ice, elevate, compression. And use your anti inflammatory cream. With the limit on # of days available yes, you’ll have to skip some. So many people say “skip the Mesata—it’s boring.” Actually I, and many, consider it one of the most special parts of the journey. And while not exactly flat, it is relatively so. With a pre-existing injury, the descent from Cruz de Fero to Molinaseca could be a challenge. Skipping a section around that might be a good plan. I hope you heal enough to continue. And it will be special no matter what anyone else says. Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

I had knee issues on the descent into Zubiri on my fourth Camino. I thought "how can this be? I've never had knee issues before!"
While icing my knee on the albergue patio later another peregrina asked me if the pain was on the outside of my knee. It was. She suggested that it could be caused by IT band syndrome and, that it could be helped by stretches and self massage. I immediately Googled it, and found lots of helpful articles with stretches and massage. Fortunately, it worked for me and I was able to finish my planned 1000 km "combo Camino."

I offer this story not as any kind of medical advice, but a possibility to explore.

 

[Dani7]

I would highly recommend if you have travel insurance (or not and can pay) to go to a clinic and get an X-ray done just to rule out you don’t have any serious leg or knee issues. They can forward the results digitally I’m sure. You can try in Logrono. Knowing you are a pilgrim they may expedite the report. In the meantime don’t forget using cold gel paks to reduce any inflammation that is most likely going on. Apply as often as you like. 15-20 min then off for 10-15 min and repeat as often as you like. Make sure you have a a cloth or other soft barrier between the skin and gel pack. Sorry to read you are going though this.

Keep us posted.

 

[rlm]

First, I’m so sorry you are experiencing this.

I’ll be starting my first Camino in Logroño tomorrow. Forgive my presumption in giving any advice, but the one thing I’ve heard over and over on these forums is it’s YOUR Camino. If you complete the requirements for the compostella (if that is your goal) then there’s no asterisk. That was your Camino journey this time. I was going to start in StJdeP Three weeks ago but I wanted to just wait a bit longer to see How things were going with Delta here. Now I’m starting in Logroño. If I am fortunate enough to finish, that’s great. I might come back someday and do the Pyrenees or my journey may not lead me to that path.

I know it is hard, but don’t be bothered by what others might say. Your decision will be the right one for you now.

Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

Please ignore those other pilgrims. Besides, we have asterisks on many many aspects of our lives - those are the interesting details.

Are you using poles? Are you trying to keep up with a schedule? I suggest getting to Logrono without walking, rest a couple of days, and then decide.

I agree with both points. Rest in Logroño. Then, if you feel fit to walk determine how many walking days you have, and bus to a point that makes it posible to reach Santiago in that amount of time, at perhaps a slower pace than you had originally planned on. You can always spend a few relaxing days in Santiago, or walk on to the coast if you want.
Forget your original schedule. The Camino is giving you an opportunity to discover how flexible and adaptable you are.

 

[rlm]

I agree with both points. Rest in Logroño. Then, if you feel fit to walk determine how many walking days you have, and bus to a point that makes it posible to reach Santiago in that amount of time, at perhaps a slower pace than you had originally planned on. You can always spend a few relaxing days in Santiago, or walk on to the coast if you want.
Forget your original schedule. The Camino is giving you an opportunity to discover how flexible and adaptable you are.

In love this advice. If I can’t stick to my schedule, I will remember that the Camino is giving me a gift of helping me be flexible and adaptable.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I would ask a doctor. The centro de Salud will provide you with a preliminary exam and, if they deem it necessary, a referral to a specialist. Along the Camino, nurses and doctors are quite accustomed to pilgrims and pilgrim injuries, and will likely have very valuable advice, based on experience and medical knowledge. It may be a very simple matter of an adjustment and a day or rest. Much as I love Forum members..... I would look more to their practical tips (some very good examples above) than their scientific knowledge. At worst, you will have a few weeks in Spain to admire the waves and work on your language or cooking skills.

 

[jsalt]

I would add that, after you have rested up for a few days, when you do start walking again, make yourself walk SLOWLY.

 

[Former member 91017]

I had knee problems so awful on my first camino that I had tears leap out of my eyes on each step into Hontanas... the pain had started around Los Arcos and by the time I was walking out of Hontanas I had to just let my friends walk on... I had a short day, too a taxi over the hill the next day and walked to Carrion de Los Condes where I received some K-tape and instructions on how to wrap it below my knee like a smile.

Worked wonders and I ditched the open patella braces that had not helped at all. Walked a short day that day... and then longer but slower days until Leon -- ice-packs, hot baths... Advil... not trying to keep up with people with significantly longer legs than I...

I learned also to drop my seat (as in alpine skiing) on down-hills to avoid IT band strain.... taped every day to the end...

Do get medical assessment if you can.

Bus or train before you are desperate and you may well protect the rest of your walk.... and your joint function forever.

Absolutely do not listen to those who say you are compromising your camino. Camino is not supposed to compromise your health and well-being.

Buen camino

 

[The Camino Calls]

Thank you all for such kind words. I feel much more encouraged by hearing your stories and advice.

I have decided to take a bus to Logroño, visit a physiotherapist there, and rest a day or more. This is my Camino and how I was meant to complete it, so I’m going to let God dictate my plans from here. I am meeting my wife in Sarria on the 15th, so that’s my only time constraint, and I’ve accepted that I might need to skip part of the Way to do so. But, I’m going to walk into Santiago if there’s nothing else I do on this trip.

 

[trecile]

Thank you all for such kind words. I feel much more encouraged by hearing your stories and advice.

I have decided to take a bus to Logroño, visit a physiotherapist there, and rest a day or more. This is my Camino and how I was meant to complete it, so I’m going to let God dictate my plans from here. I am meeting my wife in Sarria on the 15th, so that’s my only time constraint, and I’ve accepted that I might need to skip part of the Way to do so. But, I’m going to walk into Santiago if there’s nothing else I do on this trip.

As I said before, once you are feeling up to walking again, determine where you can start to end up in Santiago on (or before) the date that you plan to meet your wife. Hopefully you will be able to do a continuous walk into Santiago without needing to skip any stages from your new starting point to Santiago. Give yourself plenty of leeway to walk short days or take a break.

 

[Lady Remnants]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

I’m walking the Camino now, and I’ve seen many knee issues and I myself have some knee pain. I’ve found that for me, (and you will do you) taking shorter days and rest days, putting my knee in cold streams whenever possible (it’s a miracle), taking ibuprofen and using my poles properly (I see many people not doing this) helps me to keep going (if one knee is the problem, putting both poles down with that weak leg helped me a lot). For others, it’s necessary to lighten the load by reducing bag weight or sending your bag ahead and using only a day pack. You have to choose what your own solution is. Buen Camino!

 

[naplesdon]

If you apply lots of Volteran, make sure to be aware that other pain reliever like Advil are a no-no

 

[Former member 72198]

Please ignore those other pilgrims. Besides, we have asterisks on many many aspects of our lives - those are the interesting details.

Are you using poles? Are you trying to keep up with a schedule? I suggest getting to Logrono without walking, rest a couple of days, and then decide.

I run, workout, lift weights (I’m not Victor but his wife, Laura) and I had to rest three nights in Pamplona! Lol. I have no intention of doing any permanent t injury to myself. That is not called for. Neither God nor the Universe nor anyone else expects this of you!! Rest for a few days. Take some ibuprofen. See how you feel. Your Camino is YOUR Camino! People can be judge mental. Ignore them! I am new to all this but please be smart. Listen to your body, not other people. Just because they’ve done the Camino doesn’t mean they are wiser than you! If I’m faced with injury, I am NOT compounding it.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

With legs together cross right foot over left and do toe touches. The cross your other foot and bend to toes again repeat in reps of 5.
Than another useful stretch is extend arms against a wall or door way, stretch on leg out behind you with the other bent in front of you. Push with the extended leg and resist with your arms. You have a very Camino injury. It's all about stretching the muscles and tendons along side you knee caps. I'll put it this way, it worked for us.

 

[lt56ny]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

Way to many responses to read. I am constantly amazed that people ask others for advice for what could possibly be a serious medical condition. Go to an orthopedist and get a professional opinion and diagnosis.

 

[Lhollo]

Thank you all for such kind words. I feel much more encouraged by hearing your stories and advice.

I have decided to take a bus to Logroño, visit a physiotherapist there, and rest a day or more. This is my Camino and how I was meant to complete it, so I’m going to let God dictate my plans from here. I am meeting my wife in Sarria on the 15th, so that’s my only time constraint, and I’ve accepted that I might need to skip part of the Way to do so. But, I’m going to walk into Santiago if there’s nothing else I do on this trip.

How are you now? Did the Logroño physio help?
I was thinking that a physio would be a very good call; glad to see you decided on that. I hope you’ve been given some insight into the cause and into management of it.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

I am hesitant to give advice but I will tell you about my recent experience. My lower back was bothering me a bit in Burgos. The person I was walking with suggested that I have a session of Physiotherapy. She said she does this very often while walking. I would never have thought of that. So, I booked in Burgos and had 1 hours of massage. It was glorious and actually solved my tense back issue. Then in Leon, I stumbled on a cobblestone and wretched my knee. I iced it right away, but asked my pension owner for recommendations for a physio. She called her physio and I got an appointment the same day. It was very reasonable for 1 hour and 20 minutes (around $70). I even submitted the bill to my extended health and it was covered. This appointment (I used google translate to communicate back and forth), was excellent (both appointments were amazing), the physio gave me good advice and told me that going up and down hills would be a problem with my injury. I knew right away that I didn't want to have an injury that would affect me for years to come. I made the decision to come home. Interestingly enough, my own physio in Canada told me the same thing the physio in Leon did. He said, "You absolutely made the right call to come home". I will go back another time, and begin my camino in Leon. I guess my advice would be to get a professional to take a look and decide next steps. If you want to talk further, message me.
I hope this helps.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

I am hesitant to give advice but I will tell you about my recent experience. My lower back was bothering me a bit in Burgos. The person I was walking with suggested that I have a session of Physiotherapy. She said she does this very often while walking. I would never have thought of that. So, I booked in Burgos and had 1 hours of massage. It was glorious and actually solved my tense back issue. Then in Leon, I stumbled on a cobblestone and wretched my knee. I iced it right away, but asked my pension owner for recommendations for a physio. She called her physio and I got an appointment the same day. It was very reasonable for 1 hour and 20 minutes (around $70). I even submitted the bill to my extended health and it was covered. This appointment (I used google translate to communicate back and forth), was excellent (both appointments were amazing), the physio gave me good advice and told me that going up and down hills would be a problem with my injury. I knew right away that I didn't want to have an injury that would affect me for years to come. I made the decision to come home. Interestingly enough, my own physio in Canada told me the same thing the physio in Leon did. He said, "You absolutely made the right call to come home". I will go back another time, and begin my camino in Leon. I guess my advice would be to get a professional to take a look and decide next steps. If you want to talk further, message me.
I hope this helps.

I actually wrote out a long explanation on google translate of what happened and had it ready when I went in. The physio therapist, who didn't speak English (and I didn't speak Spanish) was grateful that I had written out what the problem was.

 

[Bob91]

If you apply lots of Volteran, make sure to be aware that other pain reliever like Advil are a no-no

To add to the comment by biarritzdon, I believe Voltaren in Spain is called Voltadol Forte, but verify this. Of course, follow the directions carefully. If you can't get a version in English, you may need to check the product's website. Good luck and I hope your knee improves quickly.
Bob

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I’m just echoing advice to rest, seek actual medical advice, and most of all do your own Camino. The only requirement is IF you want a compostela is you must walk the last 100 km to SdC (which includes I believe a Finisterre/Muxia walk if that’s more suitable). And if you don’t care about a compostela then there are no rules at all. You might also investigate/consider a pack transport service. Anyone that has any negative opinion about others using transport for self and/or pack isn’t a pilgrim so ought not opine on asterisks. Do now whatever it takes to get you where you need to be, which may mean more rest and less stress on your knee (less walking and or no pack)

Good luck and Buen Camino

 

[Barbara]

Tricky things, knees. What did you do in the end?

 

[craiger1511]

If you apply lots of Volteran, make sure to be aware that other pain reliever like Advil are a no-no

IMHO, "no-no" is NOT strong enough. You may risk taking way too much NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and risk stomach damage. I made this error once but had no ill effects. Later my physician explained my over-the-counter medication gaff. I guess I was simply lucky that I didn't harm myself.
For me, the oral NSAIDs were more beneficial so I ditched using Volteran. Fast forward five years and now I am benefitting from an anti-coagulant and no longer able to use Ibuprofen or naproxen - it's acetaminophen and ice.

 

[Jacobus]

I actually wrote out a long explanation on google translate of what happened and had it ready when I went in. The physio therapist, who didn't speak English (and I didn't speak Spanish) was grateful that I had written out what the problem was.

Very good advice!

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

In the fall I walked part of the Camino for the second time. What I discovered is that going to a physiotherapist for massage once a week really was a godsend. I asked at the places I stayed. They booked me in. I paid to go (it was very reasonable). My visit in Leon was because I tripped (in town not even on the trail), and the physiotherapist worked in my knee area for 1 hour 20 minutes. With Google translate he suggested that this injury it would not be good to do hills up or down. I am 61 years old, I don’t want a debilitating injury that might affect me for years, so I bought a ticket and came home. Best decision ever. I was disappointed but I am back to normal now, anticipating another Camino sometime. Every injury is different. I would not self diagnose. Get a professional to look at it. If you are in Logrono there will be many physios. Even a pharmacy could recommend one.

 

[Rita Flower]

Please ignore those other pilgrims. Besides, we have asterisks on many many aspects of our lives - those are the interesting details.

Are you using poles? Are you trying to keep up with a schedule? I suggest getting to Logrono without walking, rest a couple of days, and then decide.

And get some proper medical advice in Logrono. I arrived in Logrono with blisters from an allergic reaction to a cream that was supposed to stop blisters. Don’t laugh!!! And my current walking companion had some sort of foot or knee injury. We had excellent treatment at the hospital outpatients (I think they might have had a special pilgrim section) and continued on after a day of rest. The albergue let us stay two nights although we did have to ‘check out’ between 9 am and 2 pm (but they looked after our bags). Good luck. Listen to your own inner wisdom rather than your personal desires or fears. Buen Camino.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Hello all,

I’m writing from Los Arcos, where I’m babying an injured knee, in search of advice. While I’m not sure how it happened (or when), I’ve been trudging along for a few days trying to keep it okay while still walking, but I’m feeling discouraged. I visited the pharmacy a few days ago and obtained a brace and two kinds of cream (voltadol forte and fisiocrem). I have taken two rest days, which hasn’t made a lot of difference.

With about 28 days left to make it to SdC, I’m beginning to see that I’ll need to sacrifice somewhere. What do you recommend? I’ve contemplated continuing with my plans, but taking a bus instead of walking. I’ve also considered staying put in Logroño for a few days after tomorrow, and skipping part of the Camino. Neither of these options are ideal, and other pilgrims give me the sense that I’ll be completing my pilgrimage with an asterisk if I do so. I don’t want to throw in the towel, but I’m feeling very discouraged and frustrated right now.

What advice do you have?

My advise is go see a physiotherapist. I injured myself in the fall 2021 and went to a physio. He examined me thoroughly and made the assessment. Then I had a professional opinion not my own thoughts. Physios in Spain are very good and pretty reasonable in price.