How To Prepare Your Knees For Long-Distance Backpacking?

Hiking is a fantastic way to spend time in the great outdoors, boost your mood, and challenge yourself physically and mentally. As many backpackers know, it can take a toll on your knees. If you are preparing for a long-distance backpacking trip, you’ll want to do everything you can to prepare your knees and prevent pain. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our sports medicine doctors in Brooklyn would like to share some tips for preparing your knees for your next hiking adventure! Continue reading to learn more!

Preparing Your Knees for Long-Distance Backpacking

Even the most experienced backpackers can experience knee pain after a long-distance excursion. The knees are highly susceptible to pain and injuries since they carry nearly all of your body weight as you walk. Depending on the terrain you walk on, and your gait, the type of knee pain you experience can vary. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prepare your knees for a long-distance hike. Here are some hiking tips from our sports medicine doctors in Brooklyn:

• Wear Proper Footwear – Your choice of footwear is a critical consideration for your hike. Wearing shoes or boots with good ankle support and shock absorption can mitigate knee pain. Getting fitted for hiking shoes is best to ensure you find the best support. 
• Use Hiking Poles – Hiking poles can help reduce compressive forces. The poles help redistribute load-bearing weight to your arms and shoulders, reducing the impact on your knees. 
• Wear a Knee Brace – If you are on a longer and more challenging hike, our sports medicine doctors in Brooklyn can prescribe a knee brace to provide additional stability. 
• Stretch – It’s crucial to stretch and loosen your muscles before your hike to help your knees and legs be more flexible. You should also stretch after a hike to prevent knee pain. 

Properly caring for your knees can help you up and down mountains and hills for years to come. Exercising caution and using proper equipment and technique are crucial for maintaining your knee health and preventing pain. 

Contact Us

Our team at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation is here to help you prepare for your next long-distance hiking adventure! To discover more information about preparing your body for your upcoming hike, be sure to contact our sports medicine doctors in Brooklyn today!