Walking Poles, do they help?

[Bronagh2015]

I love to walk out and about in the countryside but like many of you I struggle with fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain and oesteoarthritis in my knees. I've seen people with these poles but don't really understand how they work or if indeed they do anything at all! Would really appreciate any info.

[PMRpro]

There are different sorts of poles. There are ordinary trekking poles, a bit like ski poles but adjustable in length, which people use when walking to help go up slopes or to hold themselves back a bit when walking DOWN slopes or to help balance on uneven ground

google.it/search?q=how+to+u...

And there are Nordic poles. This shows the difference.

youtube.com/watch?v=bp6vMhc...(Not working as expected?)

and this shows how to use them to walk more safely when you are older or less fit

youtube.com/watch?v=T_SwH1R...(Not working as expected?)

You can get different tips for the bottom of the poles, a spike helps on softer ground and a rubber tip can fit over the end to stop them slipping on a hard surface. The strap is a bit different - you hold the trekking poles all the time, the Nordic pole strap keeps the handle in your palm even though you aren't holding it firmly.

They do help to make you feel less wobbly - some years ago a group of older ladies in the NE of England joined a special Nordic walking group run by AgeUK. One needed a rollator at the start, one even needed a zimmer frame and all were wobbly as they had polymyalgia rheumatica. In under 6 months they were much fitter and both the rollator and the zimmer frame had been relegated to the garage!

Even if you don't use them the way the videos show, they do help you feel more confident about walking. It may be a good idea to see if there is a local club to learn how to do it properly - here where I live they do introductory courses for beginners in the summer but I don't really know how to find one in the UK. I imagine a local outdoor shop might be able to help.

[Bronagh2015 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much for all of that PMRpro, such great results in only six months. That's made my mind up, I'm going to find a good outdoor shop and get going with this, onwards and upwards!

[PMRpro in reply to Bronagh2015]

As Gcart says - GENTLY!!!!!! Start with just 5 to 10 mins at most. And 3x10 mins with rests is the same as 30 mins but is less likely to result in sore joints and muscles!

[Gcart]

Just be careful. I tried and hurt my muscles in upper body . Too much too soon . Like anything build up slowly.

[Bronagh2015 in reply to Gcart]

Good advice Gcart, thanks.

[cathie in reply to Gcart]

I agree. I'd add that its worth watching out for the pressure on your hands when using sticks. Its worth getting advice ?from a physiotherapist about the correct height of the sticks which are usually adjustable.

[Bronagh2015 in reply to cathie]

You're right Cathie, I believe there's more to it than just going into a shop and buying a pair. If I'm going to purchase some I want to make sure I do it right to obtain the best results and don't do myself more harm than good and painful hands do concern me as mine are often puffy and hot.

[Loopyloo43]

I have osteoarthritis in my knees and was with physio yesterday talking about how painful they are and to keep them exercised he did say walking wasn’t good and to maintain strength it was better doing exercises short burst but often as walkingno matter the terai. Your weight on the knees is pounding even using a walking pole!which I suppose thinking about it it makes sense hope you find this helpful !

[Bronagh2015 in reply to Loopyloo43]

Thanks Loopylou43, it's just so difficult for us isn't it? We want to keep moving and maintain a healthy weight yet excerise is difficult. I do go to the swimming pool but I really miss being out in the fresh air enjoying the wonderful scenery.

[cathie]

It might be worth thinking of cycling. Apart from the risk of falling, done carefully, that might be a way of getting out in the fresh air.

[KeepRinging]

I’ve been walking with Nordic poles for several years and have found them extremely good. They make you stand up straight and do help with balance, I rarely use my ordinary poles now. You can use nordic poles like ordinary poles when going down steep slippery slopes etc, but used correctly they will give you the ability to walk faster and exercise the whole body. If you do buy them you need some one to show you how to use them correctly.

[Bronagh2015 in reply to KeepRinging]

That's good to know KeepRinging, I'll have to find a proper hiking/outdoor shop to get the best advice. I'm from Northern Ireland and there's not the same choice as you would have across the water.

[Mean-time]

I use a pole instead of a cane. It gives me a steady support, no bending so I can maintain my posture. It’s taller than I am and the grip can be where I need it to keep me feeling steady and on track. Right now I only use one pole. I understand hickory is the most stable. Mine is bamboo.

[Bronagh2015 in reply to Mean-time]

Thanks for the advice Mean-Time, there's much more to this than I ever imagined!

[whisperit]

Yes, a too-short stick is worse than useless, as it will cause your spine to twist as you shift your weight to the too short side.

Actually, the biggest benefit I have found is that it deters poorly controlled dogs.