Nordic Walking - a helpful variation

[HeronNS]

Because I currently have some severe knee problems I've been trying to find a way to help myself keep on walking to some extent. I am trying to adapt to a knee brace but not sure it is helping. I got some poles which are a variation of Nordic walking poles. The ones I now have are made by a company called UrbanPoling, although I am sure there are others available. Unlike the standard Nordic pole they come with what's called a "bell tip" and after trying it I have to say the difference in stability provided is akin to the difference between tottering along in high heels and wearing well made sneakers. The handle has a wide ledge on which you can apply some weight which takes stress off lower limbs and at the same time builds up upper body strength. The walking technique is somewhat different from standard Nordic walking and the poles are definitely better for people with balance issues.

I am specifically using them to help "off-load" some weight from my knee as it turns out there is no way to give me a brace which off-loads anything as all the "compartments" of my knee joint are involved - nowhere to off-load to!

[GMOI]

Good for you ( and me!). I recently attended a Forest Walk and lecture that I knew would be challenging. My son gave me walking poles and I was amazed at the added endurance they provided. The “cup” tip you refer to may not be for “off road travel”. Thanks for your post. Moira

[HeronNS in reply to GMOI]

I've been using regular Nordic poles for a long time. Right now osteoarthritis has made it impossible for me to walk at any speed. Because of the condition of my joint they can't "offload" any of the compartments, whatever they are, as all are involved, so I need to use something which offloads weight another way. A very stable set of walking poles helps with this, and unlike a cane doesn't exacerbate any one-sided walking differences. I am so far away from considering anything more challenging than a walk on the grass in a level park I can't even walk down a slope without regretting it for several days afterwards; "off-road travel" isn't in my vocabulary! All the poles I own have an option to remove whatever rubber tip is in place and then you have a blunt metal spike to dig into the ground, or even into ice or snow. You can get optional "baskets" to put above the rubber tip or metal spike which keep the pole clean of mud, or help when you are walking through snow.

[GMOI in reply to HeronNS]

Wonderful that we can manage to find what is necessary to stay functional, we all have value in whatever that level of function is at !

[HeronNS in reply to GMOI]

Sometimes it's really hard work. I know I didn't appreciate what even minor disability can do to a person's over all wellbeing.

[dingoes]

Sounds like you need knee surgery! Don’t put it off too long.

[HeronNS in reply to dingoes]

Had a lightbulb moment recently when a hint from Dr Google makes me think it's not the OA which is causing so much distress but a soft tissue injury. I can point to the moment of the injury (late April!), and then to subsequent events, including my not understanding what was going on, leading to present situation. Knee much better since I stopped using it more than necessary. When you have OA you do more when you feel better and, in my experience, no problem. However, with a partial ACL tear or similar, this is exactly the wrong thing to do! The poles still helping because the off-loading is a good thing to do. Heart sank when I had a phone call with my new doctor, whom I have never met, and he suggested I have gout! As I'm vegetarian and can count the glasses of red wine I've drunk in the last year on two or three fingers, and otherwise live a rather boring abstemious life, it seems unlikely. I agreed to get the required bloodwork and he agreed to put me on the list for an MRI and to be referred to orthopedic specialist. Next step is to ask my physiotherapist to forget I have OA and treat the injury as though it is indeed an ACL injury.

[wellness1 in reply to HeronNS]

Low level laser therapy may be able to help with the pain. Perhaps your physio offers this treatment. Glad you have found some alternate poles that help you to keep walking.

[HeronNS in reply to wellness1]

That's how I found my physiotherapist! I've been going to her for several years now, started so I could see if LLLT helped PMR. I think it did. And she has treated the knee but I don't think it helped. The knee is definitely responding to not being used! I do worry about the rest of my body, however, as walking has been my exercise plan for about thirty years. My "walking" at present consists of walking very slowly along a short stretch of level ground outside my home.

[wellness1 in reply to HeronNS]

Oh, interesting. LLLT isn't a miracle cure, but can be helpful, as I'm finding. I know what you mean about worrying about the rest of your body. Everything's connected and it's amazing how an injury to one area can affect things. I have an injury that's keeping me from doing the strength training I want to do, which is a real concern. Walking is brilliant, physically and mentally, so I can really understand your frustration. I hope your treatment goes well and you recover enough to return to the walks you've been doing.