Walking Backwards Down The Mountain
Steve Gillman
The first time I had knee pain when hiking was on the last few
miles of a 26-mile hike to the top of Mount Haggin in Montana. I
had to actually stop walking at some point. There was just too
much pain to take another step. I laid down with my legs uphill
for a while. That seemed to help.
That was the first trick I learned to reduce my knee pain. My
particular problem is only when I am hiking downhill after
putting in some miles. After some internet research, I have
discovered that it may be due to "pronation" or flattening of
the arch. The following are some pain-relief techniques that
have worked for myself, and some that others have used
successfully.
Walking Backwards To Relieve Knee Pain
I can't say that I really recommend walking backwards down
mountain trails. It is a good way to fall and get seriously
hurt. On the other hand, I have done this for up to ten minutes
at a time, when it was a matter of getting back to the car or
being stuck on a mountain unprepared. In my case, the pain
relief is immediate once I start to walk backwards.
Other Ways To Relieve Knee Pain
Shoe inserts. I haven't had much of a problem with my knees
since I started using orthopedic shoe inserts. I bought mine for
$6 or so. The ones with the arch support are what you need,
because these prevent the pronation that causes knee pain on
those downhill stretches. Knee braces. Try the neoprene ones
that are sold in pharmacies. This is a cheap solution (under
$10) that has helped me a lot.
Wrap your knee. If you have nothing else with you, you can try
wrapping your knees with an ace bandage.You could also try
wrapping your knees with a handkerchief, socks, or other
clothing. Know your limits. If you have regular knee, pay
attention to how many miles of steep terrain you can hike before
the pain starts. Keep this limit in mind when planning hiking
trips. When you reach the halfway point, turn around.
Trekking poles. Trekking poles or a good walking stick can help
take the pressure off those knees on the downhill stretches. If
you have to, you can cut a dead branch or small tree to use for
a walking stick. Make sure it is long enough (up to your
armpits), because a longer stick works better on the downhill
stretches, where you need it the most.
Cool your knees. You can try soaking your knees in the cold
water of a stream or lake to reduce the swelling and pain. In
winter or in high in the mountains in summer, you can use snow
as well. Just wrap a handkerchief or shirt around your knee and
pack it full of snow. Be careful, however - frostbite or
hypothermia are real risks in winter.
There are other ways to treat knee pain when hiking. There are
also ways to prevent it. For example, hiking up to your limit -
but not beyond, may help strengthen the muscles around the
knees, and so prevent future pain. Try the tricks listed here
and see what works best for you.
About the author:
Copyright Steve Gillman. The ebook
Backpacking Secrets" has ten more ways to treat and prevent
knee pain. To find out how to get it for FREE, and to get gear
recommendations, and see the new wilderness survival section,
visit: The Ultralight Backpacking Site:
http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com
The first time I had knee pain when hiking was on the last few
miles of a 26-mile hike to the top of Mount Haggin in Montana. I
had to actually stop walking at some point. There was just too
much pain to take another step. I laid down with my legs uphill
for a while. That seemed to help.
That was the first trick I learned to reduce my knee pain. My
particular problem is only when I am hiking downhill after
putting in some miles. After some internet research, I have
discovered that it may be due to "pronation" or flattening of
the arch. The following are some pain-relief techniques that
have worked for myself, and some that others have used
successfully.
Walking Backwards To Relieve Knee Pain
I can't say that I really recommend walking backwards down
mountain trails. It is a good way to fall and get seriously
hurt. On the other hand, I have done this for up to ten minutes
at a time, when it was a matter of getting back to the car or
being stuck on a mountain unprepared. In my case, the pain
relief is immediate once I start to walk backwards.
Other Ways To Relieve Knee Pain
Shoe inserts. I haven't had much of a problem with my knees
since I started using orthopedic shoe inserts. I bought mine for
$6 or so. The ones with the arch support are what you need,
because these prevent the pronation that causes knee pain on
those downhill stretches. Knee braces. Try the neoprene ones
that are sold in pharmacies. This is a cheap solution (under
$10) that has helped me a lot.
Wrap your knee. If you have nothing else with you, you can try
wrapping your knees with an ace bandage.You could also try
wrapping your knees with a handkerchief, socks, or other
clothing. Know your limits. If you have regular knee, pay
attention to how many miles of steep terrain you can hike before
the pain starts. Keep this limit in mind when planning hiking
trips. When you reach the halfway point, turn around.
Trekking poles. Trekking poles or a good walking stick can help
take the pressure off those knees on the downhill stretches. If
you have to, you can cut a dead branch or small tree to use for
a walking stick. Make sure it is long enough (up to your
armpits), because a longer stick works better on the downhill
stretches, where you need it the most.
Cool your knees. You can try soaking your knees in the cold
water of a stream or lake to reduce the swelling and pain. In
winter or in high in the mountains in summer, you can use snow
as well. Just wrap a handkerchief or shirt around your knee and
pack it full of snow. Be careful, however - frostbite or
hypothermia are real risks in winter.
There are other ways to treat knee pain when hiking. There are
also ways to prevent it. For example, hiking up to your limit -
but not beyond, may help strengthen the muscles around the
knees, and so prevent future pain. Try the tricks listed here
and see what works best for you.
About the author:
Copyright Steve Gillman. The ebook
Backpacking Secrets" has ten more ways to treat and prevent
knee pain. To find out how to get it for FREE, and to get gear
recommendations, and see the new wilderness survival section,
visit: The Ultralight Backpacking Site:
http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com
posted by The Editor at
1:22 PM
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