Hiking
Typical pain when hiking
… ... and how you can avoid them
Hiking without pain?
Hiking is an experience! Hiking is the interaction of human and nature in its purest form. However, hiking can also be a challenge, making various demands on the body. During this activity, you often go up a long way and, of course, back down again. And specifically this uphill and downhill can cause real problems.
During everyday activities, we rarely subject our body to as much strain as during hiking. Instead, long periods of sitting at a desk and inactivity are the order of the day. If you’re then planning a hiking vacation, neither active nor passive movement structures, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are usually prepared for it. This may lead to injuries and pain during hiking, uphill as well as downhill, especially if a hiking trip lasts for several days.
Hiking downhill
The locomotor system is subjected to particular strain when going downhill. During this movement, our muscles have to work eccentrically, i.e. they have to stretch. This causes microtrauma in the muscle fibers. It also puts more strain on the joints, requires more balance as well as control, and increases impact, which pose additional risks of injury from slipping or twisting. Impact is much higher when going downhill as are the effects on the locomotor system. Particular demand is made on the patellar tendon during descents because the knee is pushed forward. Studies suggest that 75 percent of injuries during hiking occur when going downhill.
Hiking uphill
The body is also subjected to strain when going uphill. Extreme demand on the leg and buttock muscles is often a new sensation and can lead to burning as well as sore muscles. Going uphill also subjects the knee and ankle joints to increased strain because they have to absorb body weight with every step and provide stabilization. Additional demand is made on balance and coordination in uneven terrain. This requires increased physical exertion and concentration.
Knee and ankle pain during hiking
As opposed to going uphill, common injuries and pain during hiking are mainly caused by going downhill and the specific strain associated with this. Oftentimes, this is not limited to pain but serious injuries can occur. Pain during hiking that is noticed in the knee can be an indication of, for example, a meniscus injury, sprained ligaments, or “Runner’s Knee”. If pain occurs during hiking in the area of the ankle, this can be a sign of a sprain after twisting or, in cases of excessive strain, of Achilles tendon inflammation.
How the Bauerfeind Outdoor Ankle Support and Outdoor Knee Support help during hiking
During the development of the Bauerfeind Sports Outdoor Ankle Support and Outdoor Knee Support, we focused on the specific strain during hiking. Various outdoor enthusiasts helped by telling us what they needed. Our goal is to create a sensation of freedom during hiking with these supports and to prevent excessive strain during hiking. Additionally, we made them comfortable and durable by using special yarn technology. Get the innovative supports with merino wool that will provide you with stabilization as well as comfort. Find out here how the Outdoor Ankle Support and Outdoor Knee Support provide stabilization during hiking, and how you can prevent ankle and knee pain with their help:
Pain during hiking – summary
Based on specific loads, hiking subjects your body to certain types of strain and can lead to common problems and injuries. This primarily affects the knees and the area around the ankle. In order to prevent injuries and excessive strain during hiking, preparing the locomotor system for this strain is key. Specific medical aids, such as our Bauerfeind Sports Outdoor Ankle Support and Outdoor Knee Support, can help stabilize your joints and increase your enjoyment during the hike by providing you with additional stability and the perfect wearing comfort.
Our hiking products for plenty of energy and enjoyment while hiking
