Shoulder pain while using your cane may be discouraging and further limit your activities. A hiking pole is an alternative to a cane, but your shoulder pain may occur regardless of the type of walking aid. An injury to the shoulder, improper technique or uneven terrain may lead to shoulder pain, whether you use a hiking pole or cane. Therefore, the solution to resolving shoulder pain is more complex than just switching from a cane to a hiking pole.
Shoulder Injuries and Causes
Shoulder pain may indicate an injury such as a rotator cuff strain, labrum tear, tendonitis, bursitis or arthritis. The repetitive motion on the shoulder from using a hiking pole or cane may cause injury and pain, or may aggravate an existing injury. Risk factors for shoulder pain include age, poor posture and muscle strength imbalances.
Grip and Arm Position
When using hiking poles, your arm is perpendicular to the pole, with your elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees and the shoulder slightly flexed. You first push your weight into the pole and then pull through with your arm, extending the elbow and shoulder. Your grip on a walking cane, on the other hand, is more on top of the cane with the elbow straight, which may lead to increased shoulder compression. Therefore, hiking poles may reduce shoulder pain associated with cane use and shoulder compression.
Weight Distribution and Stability
Canes and hiking poles are used to redistribute your weight and provide stability. In order to redistribute your weight into the hiking pole or cane, the weight must go through the upper body. The shoulder is not a weight-bearing joint; the more assistance you need from the hiking pole or cane, the more weight and stress are placed on the shoulder, regardless of which implement you use.
Proper Technique
One of the most common causes of shoulder discomfort while using a cane or hiking pole is improper technique. Improper technique may include having the pole or cane at the incorrect height, placing the pole or cane too far in front of you, or using a pole or cane on the same side as the injured or weak leg, when it should be the opposite side. If improper cane use is causing shoulder pain, switching to a hiking pole will not necessarily reduce shoulder pain; if improper technique continues after switching to a hiking pole, you may increase shoulder pain.
Activities and Terrain
Your activity level influences whether switching from a cane to a hiking pole is beneficial. The hiking pole not only needs to reduce shoulder pain, but provide the same stability and support as the cane. For example, if you use your cane for everyday activities or hike on flat ground, a hiking pole might not provide as much support, when compared to its use on uphill and downhill terrain. Therefore, even if the hiking pole reduces shoulder pain, you might not get the support needed to perform your activities. On the other hand, if you hike on rough terrain, you may find the hiking pole provides more support than a cane and reduces shoulder pain, as long as the cane was the cause of the pain.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; How to use Crutches, Canes and Walkers; July 2007
- Multi-Use Trails Coalition: Trekking Poles; Jeffrey L. Marion, et al.
- Appalachian Mountain Club; Sticks and Stones: The Pros, Cons and Uses of Trekking Poles; Matt Heid; April 2005
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Shoulder Pain; December 2010
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