Oct 23 2008
Hiking with Arthritis
I have arthritis in my knees. This can make hiking a bit of a challenge at times. The arthritis isn’t terrible yet, so normal hikes are fine. If we happen to end up on a trail that has lots of downhill stretches I pay the price.
You’d think going uphill would hurt a person more, but with arthritis downhill is much worse. Or that’s been my experience anyway. It’s something about the pressure when stepping down. Plus, you have to maintain your balance which isn’t easy when trying not to trip over anything at the same time.
Hiking poles really help when you have arthritis. Before getting my hiking poles, I couldn’t even do small hikes without pain. Now I can do small ones with no problem. The hiking poles take some of the shock out of your steps. They give you a way of holding yourself better, and help with balance. I recommend hiking poles to every hiker, but especially if you have any knee problems.
Another good idea for hikers with arthritis is to take Advil or Tylenol along. You never know when you might need it. Sometimes the pain can get quite intense.
Take frequent breaks, but don’t make them too long. You need to rest your knees, but if you sit for too long they will try to lock up on you. It’s a balancing act that takes time to learn.
It is possible to enjoy hiking when you have arthritis. Just plan ahead, do easy trails with breaks often, and watch your step!
If you enjoy hiking, the Arthritis Foundation used to or still has a program called Joints in Motion Hike…might be worth it to check it out!
I’ll look it up. Thanks for pointing it out to me.
I do not have arthritis, but I find downhill a lot more difficult than uphill too
especially when the trail is not developed. I sometimes have to go down on my butt and use my hands to help me balance, when I could go up without problem on the same trail. Like you, I find hiking pole is very helpful, so I usually carry one so that I won’t have problem with the downhill.
You should use two poles at all times. It will help alot more than just one. It helps with everything. My knees still hurt, but it’s alot worse without the poles.
I’m sorry you hurt also.