[pct-l] Knees

[Ed Jarrett]

I used to have knee issues a lot.  Descending was generally the culprit and ruined many a hike.  I no longer have much issue with it but it is hard to know specifically what has helped, although I suspect all of the below contributed.Lowered the base back weight from 40+ to about 18 pounds (probably the biggest contributor)Use of trekking polesUsed neoprene knee braces with stabilizer bars (no longer needed)Run a lot (800 miles a year) to build up the muscles around my kneeLearned to stretch
Ed Jarretthttp://aclayjar.blogspot.com/

> Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:03:00 -0500
> From: jamieszew723 at gmail.com
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Knees
> 
> Hi everyone!
> 
> I've been gone from posting as I hiked 1000 miles of the PCT this year
> 2011.  We got off in Yosemite.  My bf fell in a manhole and both of my
> knees were shot from going up and down mountains.  I have never had a
> problem with my knees my whole life prior to this.  Issues began descending
> Mount Whitney.  About 30 feet after beginning my descent from the peak, one
> of my knees was in excruciating pain and I had to use my other leg more.
> Therefore by the next mountain, my other knee was hurting as well.  I still
> have the pain when I descend stairs, but just slightly.
> 
> I may like to finish the trail this coming year, but I am afraid my knees
> will get worse and I will get trapped on a mountain.  (BTW the Spot failed
> me in the sierras-no gps signal from faulty device)
> 
> Would you guys have any recommendations for someone with bad knees without
> health insurance who wants to hike about 1,600 miles in 2012?
> 
> Thanks and Happy Holidays!!!
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