[at-l] Knees, age & trekking styx

[JPL]

I use two poles.  Started using poles many years ago when my knees started going.  I had to stop running  (I had been a competitive runner).  I used one pole for a couple of years, then went to two.  I do believe that using poles takes enough pressure off the knees that its helped me considerably.  On flat sections, I may carry the poles parallel to the ground, or not.  Just depends if I want a change for a few minutes.  One benefit I've found on flat or gentle slopes is that using poles helps keep my pace up.  You're really getting your arms into it.  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Bullard 
  To: trailr at aol.com 
  Cc: at-l-bounces at backcountry.net ; at-l 
  Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 9:31 AM
  Subject: Re: [at-l] Knees, age & trekking styx


  Knees 'weaken' with age because our bodies can't replace damaged and dying cells as fast as they are being damaged/die. We are constantly replacing/rebuilding our bodies. There's an old adage that you have a completely new body every seven years. Unfortunately that seven years is an average. Not all cells are replaced on the same cycle. Sometimes we engage in activities that wear out cells faster than our bodies can replace them and the copies aren't always good. It's sort of like making a photocopy, photocopying the photocopy, then photocopying that copy, etc. After a while the copies become illegible or in the case of our cells they don't function as well.

  Properly used a staff or hiking poles (I prefer just one) is for stability and benefits the knees by avoiding unnecessary and unnatural twisting of the joint while trying to maintain balance. I'm a firm believer in "use it or lose it" and I frequently annoy people who say "I can't..." by responding ""I can do what I do because I do it". OTOH I have forgotten (or thought I didn't need) my pole occasionally on a hike almost always to my regret, minor or otherwise. On relatively flat trail I usually carry it horizontal to the ground in one hand but when I encounter tricky footing or an incline it is immediately put to use. I think (mere conjecture on my part since I've never used two poles) that those who use two poles are more inclined to use them constantly even on flat easy trail. At least that's my observation. I see lots of two pole hikers clicking and clacking along, both poles swinging as if they were four legged instead of two. Rarely do I see a two pole hiker with both poles lashed to the pack (only where steep climbing requires both hands free) and I don't recall ever seeing a two pole hiker just 'carrying' the poles in one or both hands without using them.  YMMV

  Jim Bullard
  http://jims-ramblings.blogspot.com/
  http://members.photoportfolios.net/Jim_Bullard



  On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 8:53 AM, <trailr at aol.com> wrote:

    suggestion: he said they weaken aging knees . . . I still carry styx,
    mainly in my pack! I use them mainly in last quarter of the day's
    hike.
    ____

    **
    My knees are already shot, the Lekis and a metal knee brace are the only things keeping me on my feet when I hike. Don't see how they would weaken your knees, unless you use them with every step you take (on and off the trail). My trail steps are fewer and farther between.
    Hotdog

    Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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