Hiking Sticks For Knee Problems

The constant pounding endured by the knees during hiking may, over time, wear the joints and increase the likelihood of injury, according to the book "Long-Distance Hiking." Moreover, if you're already experiencing knee problems, the effects of hiking may exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, it is beneficial to utilize hiking sticks both to guard against knee injury, as well as to prevent further damage.

Identification

Hiking sticks are hand-held sticks that hikers use to ascend and descend trails. Available in a vast array of designs, they are constructed mainly from composite materials, namely aluminum and carbon fiber. Standard hiking sticks comprise a basic shaft and are therefore light in weight, while anti-shock models are slightly heavier as they incorporate internal springs that absorb shock. All hiking sticks feature ergonomic handles made from cork, rubber or foam for optimum grip, as well as pointed tips for increased traction on almost any surface, including ice.

Facts

Hiking sticks alleviate shock exerted on the knees as they redistribute some of the load carried by the legs to the arms and shoulders. According to a study published in a 1999 issue of the "Journal of Sports Sciences," utilization of hiking sticks may reduce compressive and sheer forces on the knees by as much as 25 percent. As such, they are especially useful for people with knee problems like tendinitis, or more severe injuries entailing bruising or damage to bones and cartilage.

Benefits

In addition to preserving knee health, hiking sticks also facilitate better stability, balance and footing, especially while navigating challenging terrain such as river beds, loose rocks, snow and ice. They also help to establish a walking rhythm and can be used to push back vegetation that may be obstructing a path. Furthermore, according to a study published in 2008 in the "Journal of Strength Conditioning Research," hiking sticks may also be beneficial tools for increasing caloric expenditure and burning fat.

Application

Depending on the gradient of the terrain, hiking sticks should be adjusted in length in order to optimize their load-bearing capacity. To set the length, release the locking mechanism and extract or retract the stick according to your desired length, then fasten the lock in place. Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle when holding the stick. Shorten your sticks when hiking uphill and lengthen them when hiking downhill. On level ground, ensure that the length of your stick allows your forearms to be parallel to the ground and on traverses, adjust it so that the down-slope stick is longer than the up-slope stick, according to outdoor gear specialist REI.