Walking the Camino with knee problems

[Dave2]

Posted earlier, my second Camino and after a back problem I'm finding it difficult on my knees walking a long distance,any suggestions what I could use to help with the problem, starting from Vigo to fistera, hope to do it in 8 days.

 

[SabsP]

Posted earlier, my second Camino and after a back problem I'm finding it difficult on my knees walking a long distance,any suggestions what I could use to help with the problem, starting from Vigo to fistera, hope to do it in 8 days.

My suggestion is to ask specific advise from a physiotherapist.
But my advise would be to rethink your plan for 8 days from Vigo to Finisterre when having back and knee issues.
See the distances on Gronze.

Vigo - Redondela | Camino Portugués de la Costa | Gronze.com

La salida de Vigo nos depara una agradable sorpresa, pues el itinerario recorre la Senda da Traída das Augas, con bosques y vistas panorámicas sobre la ría. Al entrar en Redondela nuestro Camino de la Costa confluye con el Camino Portugués Central, la gran ruta jacobea que proviene de Lisboa...

www.gronze.com

 

[Dave2]

Thank you for your reply, back problem is sorted but I think this might have started the problem with my knees trying to compensate for that problem

 

[steve392]

I've had the same problem and have done/am doing the following.
Firstly, I consulted my doctor who told me I had to loose weight, this is personal to me and I'm not suggesting it applies to you.
Secondly, I consulted an Osteopath who looked at what the exact cause was and my medical history (dislocated knee playing rugby). It turned out that my hips were very tight which was contributing to the problem. She then set me on the path to doing the correct exercises for my needs and at the correct pace. The trick has been too not go too hard to fast.
Rolling my upper legs and hips and stretching was the start.
My exercises started with small step ups on to a weight no more than 3 inches high. Squats with no weight.
Hamstring stretches using a broom handle. Sitting Lat pulls to help loosen my back and some easy cardio.
Now I do, step up and through onto on box 2 feet tall. Barbell squads with 40kg. Goblet squats with 20kg.
Romanian dead lifts with 50kg. Hip flexors with 15kg. Dumbbell bench press with 2 x 15kg. To name a few.
I also do more Cardio including using a tread mill with my pack on with 15kg of weight in it.
This was/is being done under the supervision of my Osteopath and designed to loosen me up and strengthen the muscles around my knees. I no longer have knee pain or have to wear a brace and am feeling better than ever and ready for my next Camino in March.
So my advise is to go and see a professional, someone that is recommended to you by a friend or colleague that has used them and has been successful.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Dave2]

Thank you very much for your advice, I'll definitely look into it more,

 

[Gerard Griffin]

I had knee problems and it was either give up the Camino or get an e-bike. One visit to Decathlon, 1500 euro, and off I went. 5,000 km later and my knees are my best friends. My backside not so much, but so it goes. Never give up.

 

[CTLawGal]

Posted earlier, my second Camino and after a back problem I'm finding it difficult on my knees walking a long distance,any suggestions what I could use to help with the problem, starting from Vigo to fistera, hope to do it in 8 days.

Aside from the medical related advice best sorted with a qualified physician or PT, I would recommend having your pack transported to take the weight off your knees. Also trekking poles, especially for the downhill - there's research showing that, used properly, they can take 20%-30% of the pressure off your knees - there's some elevation gain/loss on the route to Fisterra.

 

[Canche]

Knee brace works for me and icing.

 

[Jodean]

My knee started acting up in Portugal last April, but only at night. 7 months later, had an arthroscopy OP done on it, plus a Hyaluron shot in it. It still is not as well as expected, so don't know if a new knee is in my near future or not. Really wanted to walk the coast and spiritual variant in Portugal this spring, with lots of short days and if a hill is expected that day, take a taxi. Guess another month of waiting before any plans get made.
Take care of those knees. Arthritis was so unexpected.