Hiking sticks?

Outfield · October 2011

My lymphedema is mild and well-controlled, but it has affected my had a few times. Every time I have tried to hike in the past few months, my hand has swelled. I haven't done anything crazy like wear a heavy pack, but I do live in a hot climate at high altitude. A friend back east recently mentioned that women in her hiking group using those walking sticks to prevent hand swelling. These aren't even women with lymphedema. It got me thinking maybe I should try them - makes some sense that having the muscles in the arms doing a little pumping instead of just dangling could be helpful. Anybody have any experience with this? I would also be wearing a glove or bandaged.

revkat · October 2011

I LOVE my treking poles (that's the official name, makes me feel a little cooler than calling them canes). My husband even got some after seeing me use mine. They keep my arm from dangling down and filling up with fluid, they do give a pumping sensation (sort of like on the elliptical, which also works well for me) which keeps things moving, and they add to stability which is good on general principles. I wear a compression sleeve and glove while hiking as well. Of course the longest hike I've done is only 12 miles (six up/six down) and all I carry is snacks, water, and sunscreen.

As to looking a little dorky, well, I just tell folks all the Europeans use them! Love, love, love them!

Nordy · October 2011

I am going to second exactly what revkat said. I love my poles for all the same reasons - I usually only end up with one because my kids usually play with the other one - but that in addition to a glove (which I otherwise never have to wear) help keep my arm from really puffing up on hikes! Go for the trekking poles!

Binney4 · October 2011

LymphNotes has a brief article about the benefits of Nordic Walking (walking with trekking poles) for lymphers:
http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/353/

Go for it! Cool
Binney

pj12 · October 2011

I got trekking poles about six months ago. Living in Florida and walking in my small town invites many funny comments... Usually "where are your skis? Or where is the snow?" But I love them nonetheless. My upper arms are SO much more toned now. Amazing the effect using the sticks has had. I had begun to think, with my saggy upper arms, that I should stop wearing sleeveless tops. Hardly an option in hot humid Florida. To me the change is dramatic. The only other thing that ever toned my upper arms so well was doing pushups. Not an option anymore!

Nitocris · October 2011

Hi Outfield,

Here in Finland, we do a lot of pole walking and it is one of the favourite physical activities for lymphers. In winter, we do it with snow rackets. With what intensity and for how long is different for everybody, so you will have to try and find the balance which is right for your. Always start easy. Two things are important when choosing a pole: 1. The pole length: when you stand up holding your pole, your elbow should be at a 90 degrees angle. 2. Choose a pole with straps, (this is particularly important when you have LE). that way you hand is more relaxed. It has some support and you don't need to squeeze the pole all the time and you get some movement in your hand/fingers when you release the pole while walking. I put two links where you can find useful information:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpi_F5kUZEI&feature=related (choosing the right pole)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e7SvftztRg (nordic walking technique by Marko Kantaneva, finnish founder of the original method)

Have a good walk and fun

I must had a little funny story: My husband was once on a business trip in Nicaragua. I had his pole with him and was walking around the hotel for his morning program. Some guys were looking at him and said: " Hey Gringo.... aqui no ski!!!!"

BeckySharp · October 2011

Hey what a great idea! If I let my hands dangle when walking they both swell (always have) so my therapist said to always keep my arm at 90 degrees and pump. I am also doing well on the elliptical. Thanks Nitocris for the tips. Any suggestions for the best brand?

Ntiocris--With all you are doing you will soon be a Lymphedema Guru too!

Becky

snorfia · October 2011

Thanks so much for posting the videos. I've been wondering about this technique, and now I am eager to try it. Maybe the trekking poles can be an early Christmas present?

Nitocris · October 2011

Hi Beckysharp,

I am using 2 differents types of poles and both are finnish brands, so I doubt that you find them in the States. I have a regular type for walking on flat, dry, easy ground (my routine 2-3 times a week around the golf course close by). I use the second type, which has a quick release strap button, when I am hiking on more difficult ground, going up and down, with obstacles.... several years ago, I dislocated my shoulder while skiing because my hand got caught in the strap when I fell. I have learned my lesson then! My injured arm is my LE arm now, so I take more precautions. Some people also use an adjustable/telescopic version, but I don't particularly like them, so I use a one piece pole. I found 2 videos where you can get more information. It is an American firm selling "Tone n' trek Nordic walking poles". Of course, they are marketing their own products (adjustable poles) , but you learn more about straps, poles and rubber feet and helpful tips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llWg-JqTB2I&feature=related (common mistakes and helpful tips for beginners)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05HRz3m_FeY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL (comparison of Nordic walking poles)

Have fun

BeckySharp · October 2011

Nitocris-Thanks!

Snorfia-Yes, an early Christmas present. I have bought a lot of those lately! Bandages, sleeves, gloves, etc.! Now for something fun!!

Becky

NatsFan · October 2011

Add me to the list of those who loves her trekking poles. We do a lot of mountain hiking over rocky terrain, and I tend to be on the clumsy side, so I got them to help me get up and down those rocky trails. After I got them I realized that my hands were no longer swelling up with hiking. I got a (relatively) cheap pair of telescoping poles at REI for about $70 about a year ago. I wasn't sure I'd like them so I didn't get super high end ones, and the lower end ones have been fine for me. http://www.rei.com/product/784270/rei-traverse-trekking-poles-pair

I've actually had several other hikers (mostly women my age (mid-50's)) ask me about themand how I like them. I always rave.

LeapFrog39 · October 2011

My hands have always swelled from walking/hiking...even before lymphadema.

I'll have to try the poles when hiking. I guess it would look a little strange if I used them on the local paved walking path. Tongue out

garnet131 · October 2011

After seeing the LymphNotes article posted above, I took a Nordic Walking Workshop through our local Rec Dept 3 weeks ago. (Had seen it in the book and been interested for the past 2 years but it took the LE to get me out there.) Enjoyed it and really felt like my forearms benefited from the action, but later that night when I took sleeve off, wondered if my upper arm was larger.

Because the city is trying to promote fitness and has the workshops, they have a special deal with a manufacturer so I was able to get nice poles with multiple tips for various types of ground for $38 and a carrying bag for $10. People do use them on local park trails and even saw a woman using them on the sidewalk on my way home from work last week, but I haven't been able to get out yet (working 2 jobs limits my time).

Going camping tomorrow and will be taking them--hopefully the weather will cooperate for walking (rain in forecast). Much as I hate daylight saving time, one advantage is that it will then be light enough to walk before work, which is pretty much my only available workout time.

snorfia · October 2011

I found "walking poles" at Wal-Mart for about $20. They came with instructions and a DVD, and are probably pretty cheap. They should be enough to let me figure out if I like them, and can figure out how to use them.

Outfield · October 2011

Thanks everybody. That's very helpful. I found out I can rent some nearby (hopefully they have some that fit me) so will try them out that way first. I'm pretty excited about this possibliity.

AdventureBuddies · October 2011

I have LE and I teach people how to use poles for hiking and walking. Check out PolesForMobility to learn about how to use poles so that you'll improve:

endurance
power and performance on any terrain
confidence and agility
upper body strength and tone
as well as gait, balance and mobility

There are many benefits to learning optimal use of poles. I also include a free purchase consultation form so that you can email me to determine which poles best fit your body and will help you achieve your goals.

I help run a lymphedema clinic at a local hospital and am a LE buddy as well Cool

AdventureBuddies · October 2011

Be sure to select the best poles for your recipient. Poles that fit will serve a lifetime of great adventures. Check out POLESforMobility to learn how to use poles in a way that will enable you to acheive your goals.

There's also a free purchase consultation form that you can use to learn what poles best fit. This form is located on the product recommendations page.

Benefits include improved balance, endurance, confidence and upper body strength. Optimally using the muscles will help lymphedema (LE) as well as lengthen and strengthen the spine.

I have LE and run a LE group at a local hospital and have trained thousands of people on how to optimally use poles. Cool

snorfia · October 2011

I checked out this website, and had an enjoyable and informative time following the links.

Tried out my "walking poles" this morning, and liked them, but it will take some practice and getting used to.

One question - are there any poles that can be used for both Nordic Walking and the occasional hike?

crabbiepattie · October 2011

Just want to chime in and say I love my REI hiking poles. I can walk twice as far! No problems with my surgery side when using them.

snorfia · October 2011

On a four-mile hike this weekend, my 6yo dd was worried about bears. She was tired of walking uphill, she needed a drink of water, and her legs hurt. She kept up this whiny commentary while her mother was enduring gentle ribbing about needing a cane or two to get up the hills. (Hey, first time on the trail since surgery!) So I adjusted the walking poles, handed them to the little one, and all of a sudden she quit whining, and took off down the trail - legs, arms, poles, pigtail all flying in the golden October sunshine. I would not want to be a bear who got in her way!

I did eventually get my poles back, and had only good side effects from the hike.

cowgal · October 2011

I am so happy that someone posted this! I bought some LEKI telescoping poles several years ago and love them. I got them off of the internet from Dick's Sporting Goods. I thought they would be bad for my lymphedema and had stopped using them. This is great news. I know that when I bought mine, they had different tips you could buy that are for different terrain plus they do wear out.

AnneW · October 2011

I have been hiking with poles for about 15 years, initially to protect my knees. Even on flat land, I like to use them, to keep my hands from hanging down. Never liked that "tight" feeling in my hands, even before BC.

Used to get the "ski" comment alot, but here in CO, more people trek with poles than not. It's the tourists who make the comments now!

Kelliregi · October 2011

I just ordered a set of collapsible trekking poles and a set of non-adjustable Nordic walking poles. I've never used either. I can't wait until I get them! I'm sure hoping they may be the secret to walking around with less/no extra swelling. Smile

Lunakin · October 2011

I've been using trekking poles for about ..15 years. They do slightly take the load off your knees. I use them for off-trail and some trail hiking. I often use just one (since I have tendinitis) and that's enough to help balance. I usually keep it in my LE-side hand.

Keeping hands higher, and the pumping motion when using poles does help circulation (lymph and blood). Also helps balance, and burns more calories!

Yes, the 90-degree angle is important. Definitely get the adjustable poles so you can adjust depending on slope of terrain.

I've found cheaper adjustable poles at Campmor.com, and at Target. Enjoy!

lvtwoqlt · October 2011

I'm going to look into getting some of the poles. Last weekend at the RFC I tried pumping my arms like I had the poles in my hands and it did seem to help me remember not to let my arms hang down, my hands didn't seem to feel as heavy as they normally do when I have been walking.

I do have problems sometimes with my back hurting in the muscles after I have walked awhile, will using the poles help me stretch out the muscles that cramp in my back?

Sheila

Lunakin · October 2011

Sheila, The back pain after walking may be due to your posture and movements during walking that overstress some muscles while others are underused. Or, if you're wearing a heavy pack, check that it has a good hip belt so that the load is distributed well and not all on the shoulders. Using poles may help some with balancing the muscle workload.

But the best thing would be to see a physical therapist. They can analyze your walking and figure out the problem and how to help.

That's great that you're out walking!

Hiking sticks?

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