ADVICE REQUESTED: How to reduce hip joint paint from hiking.

[Shaman]

I want to know if anyone has experience or knowledge in handling this
problem.

My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain). We are in our mid-30s and in
generally good shape. I weigh 150. When I hike, I don't get terribly
tired or sore; mostly the same kind of response as your typical hiker.
However, sometimes after a hike I get a lot of pain in my hip joints.
So much so that I can barely lift my leg up. It goes away after a few
days, but I'm concerned that I will have trouble on a multi-day
backcountry trip that I have planned this summer. Any ideas on
reducing or treating this problem. Here is what I already do/don't do:

* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[g***@away.com]

Post by Shaman
* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.

G/C works if your arthritic but won't do much otherwise (only works on
deteriorated cartiledge). Lot'sa hype from hucksters and misinformed
will try to pry your wallet open.

Before you change your walking style, look at your footbeds. If they are
stock, they are junk. Try some $30 ones before going custom.

Sounds like a possible muscle imbalance, consider lifting weights (hint:
squats). And work on stretching (yoga will do if you wannabe trendy).

[Bruce W.1]

Post by Shaman
I want to know if anyone has experience or knowledge in handling this
problem.
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain). We are in our mid-30s and in
generally good shape. I weigh 150. When I hike, I don't get terribly
tired or sore; mostly the same kind of response as your typical hiker.
However, sometimes after a hike I get a lot of pain in my hip joints.
So much so that I can barely lift my leg up. It goes away after a few
days, but I'm concerned that I will have trouble on a multi-day
backcountry trip that I have planned this summer. Any ideas on
* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

==================================================================

Welcome to the club. I think we all have something that hurts first.
For me it's a muscle across my back, but that's beside the point.

I added an Aleve pill to my morning vitamins while on the trail.

Using poles all the time doesn't sit right with me, I think they stress
your back. They're great in difficult terrain but on open flat trails I
put them away and don't use them.

Personally, I've been carrying one nice Leki aluminum pole but I've
decided to go back to bamboo. The aluminum pole is great because it
breaks down, and I'm sure I will use it when air travel is involved.
But when I drive to a hike in my own car I will use bamboo. Bamboo is
warmer, is indestructable, and grips well.

[Ilja Friedel]

Post by Bruce W.1

Post by Shaman
I want to know if anyone has experience or knowledge in handling this
problem.

I added an Aleve pill to my morning vitamins while on the trail.

I would not use Ibuprofen _during_exercise_ before having confirmed that
the problem won't get worse. I have made the mistake to take Ibuprofen
before a swimming workout. This caused me to push too hard (it felt ok)
during the exercise. The consequence was nasty pain for over a week in the
affected shoulder areas and I had to cut back. Take the painkiller before
going to sleep, but not while pushing yourself.

Ilja.

[Kamus of Kadizhar]

Post by Ilja Friedel
I would not use Ibuprofen _during_exercise_ before having confirmed that
the problem won't get worse. I have made the mistake to take Ibuprofen
before a swimming workout. This caused me to push too hard (it felt ok)
during the exercise. The consequence was nasty pain for over a week in the
affected shoulder areas and I had to cut back. Take the painkiller before
going to sleep, but not while pushing yourself.

I second that. I was also told that 900mg will shrink the swelling of
inflamed tissues as well as steroids, but to do it carefully. In other
words, you can't take 900mg in the morning, and be superman all day, and
not expect serious pain or even damage.

Based on the OP's post, I would suspect hip displasia. Get that checked
out ASAP and see if that in fact is the case.

--Kamus

[Drifter]

Post by Shaman
I want to know if anyone has experience or knowledge in handling this
problem.
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain). We are in our mid-30s and in
generally good shape. I weigh 150. When I hike, I don't get terribly
tired or sore; mostly the same kind of response as your typical hiker.
However, sometimes after a hike I get a lot of pain in my hip joints.
So much so that I can barely lift my leg up. It goes away after a few
days, but I'm concerned that I will have trouble on a multi-day
backcountry trip that I have planned this summer. Any ideas on
* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

I have some damage to my right hip and knee from an old accident. I
have found the following to help a lot.
1) Good custom footbeds (orthotics) in my hiking boots
2) One advil in the morning and one before bed (start this a day
before your hike)
3) A good vitamin supplement (nothing exotic, just one-a-day or
similar)
4) Careful stretches before and after your hike.
5) MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) but this supplement will take a
couple of weeks to start working. Glucosimine et al. didn't do
anything for me but the MSM has gone a long way towards restoring the
flexibility in my hip and knee.

Of course I don't pretend to be a medical professional and what works
for me may not do the trick for you.


Drifter
"I've been here, I've been there..."

[Eugene Miya]

Post by Shaman
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?

....

Post by Shaman
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Talk to your personal physician.
Fill out as complete a medical history as possible.
It is especially important to know allegric reactions, etc.
If necessarily get a second opinion or a referral to a sports med type.
If you really feel that you have to use the net, use sci.med.*

--

[Traveler4D]

* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of hype.
Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there is a
special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a daypack,
so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks and
mountain bike rides.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.>

Welcome to the aging process. You are right about perfect in your malady
timing, and will soon discover stuff that hurts you never even knew you had.
Its been 20 years since I hit 30, and I remember the first nuisance ache as if
it were yesterday, for me, it was in the shins.

I have little to add to the list of things you can do to help youreself out. I
would put higher emphasis on seeing your doctor, perhaps getting a referral to
a "sports" physician, who can observe how you are walking and what, if any
remedies they may see in changing of your footwear or use of orthodics.

Your exercise regimne looks fine, you are not running/jogging and not stressing
joints too much. Do you have the same pain/s after performing an hour of your
usual work out? You might want to try taking incremental hikes nearby,
starting at one hour, going to 1.5, 2, 2.5, etc to see when the pain starts, or
if it starts after you are done, what level of stress you arrive at to cause
it.

I really do recommend an sports physician, specifically one who deals in foot
and knee issues. It very well could be you have a knee or shin injury which
you may not even feel as a problem, which has changed the way you walk and is
now affecting your hips. Conversely, it could be recurrent bursitis or
tendonitis which can be chronic and will come and go.

[Shaman]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll be following through on several of
the suggestions.

[p***@hotmail.com]

Post by Shaman
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain). We are in our mid-30s and in
generally good shape. I weigh 150. When I hike, I don't get terribly
tired or sore; mostly the same kind of response as your typical hiker.
However, sometimes after a hike I get a lot of pain in my hip joints.
So much so that I can barely lift my leg up. It goes away after a few
days, but I'm concerned that I will have trouble on a multi-day
backcountry trip that I have planned this summer. Any ideas on
* I use trekking poles.

There are good and bad styles for these. I can't give you much
authoritative info. But basically, they idea is you should use
them *mostly* for balance on difficult trail. Putting a lot of
weight on the pole means you are shifting your weight from side
to side. Depending on exactly how you hike, this may be ok, or
it may be bad.

Post by Shaman
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?

I couldn't tell you. Not a medical type of any kind. Personally,
I'd consult a qualified medical doctor about any such things.

Post by Shaman
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.

There are some basic walking things you can try. The one I do
I call "the Sherpa Shuffle." It's most important going downhill,
but it helps me on level trail as well.

Basically, the simplest description is, swing your hips. Make
your bum wiggle while you walk. So as your left leg, for example,
moves forward, your left butt also moves forward. The idea is,
you extend your range of motion, and you can get your foot
farther downhill without much changing your balance. I find it
greatly decreases impact on each step, and allows me to go
downhill way faster, without any increase in impact, and without
any loss of control.

Especially with some practice, and after a 1/2 hour or so when
I get well warmed up, I can really motor downhill. Since you
mentioned 5,000' elevation gain, I'm expecting you came back
roughly the same distance. So, possibly you were smacking your
hip joints on the way down. If your motion is mostly from
moving the leg forward at the hip, and there is little motion
of your butt, you may get a lot of stress all up and down your legs.

Uphill is very different. But most people tend to walk uphill
in an acceptable fashion. You just want to make sure you are
not hopping on each stride. The hop means you put extra stress
on all your joints. You want to press up the hill rather than hop.

Post by Shaman
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.

When you say "daypack" what do you mean exactly? If you mean some
kind of small backpack thing, a strap over each shoulder, then it's
almost certainly not the problem. That is, if it's well balanced
side-to-side, it's probably fine. But if we are talking about some
kind of over-one-shoulder bag, or duffel bag or such, you don't
want to go more than a few 100 yards with one, even if it's only
got like 5 pounds in it. You really want to avoid uneven load.
Though usually such things get me in the back, shoulders, and neck.

Post by Shaman
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.

Do you ever feel pain in those situations? If not, then the downhill
part may be the killer. Try the shuffle.
Socks

[Shaman]

Post by p***@hotmail.com
When you say "daypack" what do you mean exactly?

A small pack strapped around the waist like a butt-pack filled with
water, sandwich, dried fruit and a headlamp. The weight was evenly
distributed.

Post by p***@hotmail.com

Post by Shaman
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.

Do you ever feel pain in those situations? If not, then the downhill
part may be the killer. Try the shuffle.

I don't get the hip problem with other excercise, such as when I play
racquetball. Only when I've hiked a long distance.

[Dale Peterson]

Like I said in an earlier post, Get off the blacktop more often.... The
uneven ground from step to step in the wild is working things that haven't
been used all that much.
Dale

Post by Shaman

Post by p***@hotmail.com
When you say "daypack" what do you mean exactly?

A small pack strapped around the waist like a butt-pack filled with
water, sandwich, dried fruit and a headlamp. The weight was evenly
distributed.

Post by p***@hotmail.com

Post by Shaman
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.

Do you ever feel pain in those situations? If not, then the downhill
part may be the killer. Try the shuffle.

I don't get the hip problem with other excercise, such as when I play
racquetball. Only when I've hiked a long distance.

[mudboy]

I think if the pain is on the outside of your hip, it's a back problem. If
the pain is in the crotch (right and or left side) it's the hip joint.

Don't push it, take shorter strides, walk gently and don't hit the ground. A
slight bend in the knees helps too. These are some of the things I do
because I have severe arthritis in my hips.

[ToastFord]

Post by mudboy
I think if the pain is on the outside of your hip, it's a back problem. If
the pain is in the crotch (right and or left side) it's the hip joint.

Could be a fair rule of thumb.

Post by mudboy
Don't push it, take shorter strides, walk gently and don't hit the ground. A
slight bend in the knees helps too. These are some of the things I do
because I have severe arthritis in my hips.

I too get severe arthirits sometimes, I distinguish between the type of
pain resulting from muscle fatigue and that resulting from arthritic
problems.

After camping I can really ache all over, but it feels good and keeps away
my joint problems. I used to shrink from further exertion if my muscles
were aching but not these days - thats the pain with the gain, I dont think
its harmful - even cramping has never given me a persistent problem.

My Joint pains can linger dull in the bones when Im succeptable, affected
by the weather and own humours, then I know to pay attention. Accutely
affected parts produce sharp and urgent pangs. I deal with these by
strenuous stretching, posturing /yoga, careful movement and... Sodium
Diclofenac. I feel that hard worked muscles around a problem joint actualy
help purge the joint with my condition.

I also suspect that some comfortable footwear, might result in more harmful
shocks to the wearers skeleton. With hard soles, I use toes and bend knees
to absorb impacts with the ground comfortably -to avoid hurting my feet.
With comfy spongy soles there is less sensation of impact, by the time the
shoe-cushioned force reaches the hips and spine it can be more severe a
jolt than one would allow if not wearing such comfy shoes.

Such cushioned jolts will/do give me problems in my hips and back, which is
why I keep my toes out and knees bent.

So my advice to reduce hip joint pain, would be to wear hard shoes and use
the knees and feet well.

*hth

[Shaman]

Post by mudboy
I think if the pain is on the outside of your hip, it's a back problem. If
the pain is in the crotch (right and or left side) it's the hip joint.

The pain is near the crotch, right where the hip joint is.

[Chris HIll]

The hip flexor is one of those core strength areas of the body which recieve
little isolated exercise. I think you are overestimating your level of
conditioning and underestimating what exercise carrying a pack is. Work on
core strength exercises abdomen, flexors, glutes. Also stretch the hot spots
like achilles and hamstrings before and after exercise, or hiking. Walking
posture is important for sure but this sounds like the flexor because
lifting the leg IS the flexor. Good luck and I have some exercises for you
if you want. I am 49 and have spent the last few years turning back the
physical clock getting my arse in shape.
Chris

Post by Shaman
I want to know if anyone has experience or knowledge in handling this
problem.
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain). We are in our mid-30s and in
generally good shape. I weigh 150. When I hike, I don't get terribly
tired or sore; mostly the same kind of response as your typical hiker.
However, sometimes after a hike I get a lot of pain in my hip joints.
So much so that I can barely lift my leg up. It goes away after a few
days, but I'm concerned that I will have trouble on a multi-day
backcountry trip that I have planned this summer. Any ideas on
* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Shaman]

Walking posture is important for sure but this sounds like the flexor because
lifting the leg IS the flexor. Good luck and I have some exercises for you
if you want. I am 49 and have spent the last few years turning back the
physical clock getting my arse in shape.

Yes, that is the trouble I'm having. If you can describe the
excercises you are doing for that, I would appreciate it.

[Auntie Em]

Post by Shaman
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain).

Forgive the off-topic reply but this absolutely ASTOUNDS me. Why would you
do this? I have been to Yosemite, every square foot of it looks like every
other square foot of it, let alone 16 miles of it. It flabbergasts me to
think that someone would put themselves through this to look at a pine tree
that looks just like 100,000 other pine trees. Please explain this to me. I
am so curious.

Em

[Drifter]

On Sun, 16 May 2004 12:34:53 -0500, "Auntie Em" <Auntie

Post by Auntie Em

Post by Shaman
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain).

Forgive the off-topic reply but this absolutely ASTOUNDS me. Why would you
do this? I have been to Yosemite, every square foot of it looks like every
other square foot of it, let alone 16 miles of it. It flabbergasts me to
think that someone would put themselves through this to look at a pine tree
that looks just like 100,000 other pine trees. Please explain this to me. I
am so curious.
Em

I suspect you of being a troll, but on the off chance that you aren't
I'll reply with this thought. It absolutely astounds me to hear about
all the people who go to the Superbowl/NBA playoffs/etc. To watch a
bunch of grown men run around on a field and accomplish...nothing.

But, everyone has their own idea of a good time.


Drifter
"I've been here, I've been there..."

[Auntie Em]

Post by Drifter
On Sun, 16 May 2004 12:34:53 -0500, "Auntie Em" <Auntie

Post by Auntie Em

Post by Shaman
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain).

Forgive the off-topic reply but this absolutely ASTOUNDS me. Why would you
do this? I have been to Yosemite, every square foot of it looks like every
other square foot of it, let alone 16 miles of it. It flabbergasts me to
think that someone would put themselves through this to look at a pine tree
that looks just like 100,000 other pine trees. Please explain this to me. I
am so curious.
Em

I suspect you of being a troll, but on the off chance that you aren't
I'll reply with this thought. It absolutely astounds me to hear about
all the people who go to the Superbowl/NBA playoffs/etc. To watch a
bunch of grown men run around on a field and accomplish...nothing.
But, everyone has their own idea of a good time.

You sure got a point there. I would much rather stare at a mountain side of
pine trees than be subjected to the sport-ure that you describe. But then
again, given a broader choice, I would rather be sitting in front of the
fire, stroking my favorite cat, drinking a nice red wine and listening to
Dave Koz or Bryan Culbertson on the stereo. A nice jacuzzi and I'm off to
bed early! Ah paradise.

No, I'm not a troll, just curious - really as to what the attraction is. I
come from a long line of people who don't particularly enjoy the outdoors
(owing, I suspect from my grandparent's particularly unpleasant lifestyle
that necessitated working in the fields) - making "inside" where the
privileged stay. I recall as a child being sent "outside" as a punishment
for wrong-doing, and something to be avoided and loathed.

Isn't it strange how people view things so differently?

Em

[c***@tiny.net.invalid]

On Mon, 17 May 2004 01:07:13 -0500, "Auntie Em" <Auntie
***@thisisfake.com> wrote:

(snipped)

Post by Auntie Em
You sure got a point there. I would much rather stare at a mountain side of
pine trees than be subjected to the sport-ure that you describe. But then
again, given a broader choice, I would rather be sitting in front of the
fire, stroking my favorite cat, drinking a nice red wine and listening to
Dave Koz or Bryan Culbertson on the stereo. A nice jacuzzi and I'm off to
bed early! Ah paradise.

Trying to explain it to you would be like you trying to explain why
one keeps a useless creature like a cat around that requires care,
food, vets, etc. to someone who doesn't like _any_ animals, other than
as food.

I'm a cat lover, myself, and wouldn't be able to explain it. I'm also
a solo canoe / kayak camper. I've got a buddy who is same / same and
he doesn't understand the paddle upstream part on rivers. He's tried
it, he doesn't like it and doesn't even get a feeling of
accomplishment from it. He'd much rather have transport from takeout
back to putin. Sometimes so would I, but 3 to 6 miles of paddling
away from humans is good. Where there is no transport, there are less
humans (and no cost, which figures into it, too, just by the by).

Be darned if I can explain the fun of going somewhere out in the woods
or on the water by your own power and without other humans around to
anyone, much less a home loving kind. However, I will say that I
deeply appreciate all the humans who stay home instead of being out
where I go. Thank you.

[Kamus of Kadizhar]

Post by Auntie Em
You sure got a point there. I would much rather stare at a mountain side of
pine trees than be subjected to the sport-ure that you describe. But then
again, given a broader choice, I would rather be sitting in front of the
fire, stroking my favorite cat, drinking a nice red wine and listening to
Dave Koz or Bryan Culbertson on the stereo. A nice jacuzzi and I'm off to
bed early! Ah paradise.

I still suspect a troll, but here goes....

You get out of it what you put into it. A couple of years ago, I took a
complete newbie, never been hiking, down into the Grand Canyon. We did
the tourist thing - down Kaibab, up Bright Angel, dinner at Phantom Ranch
- but it was a trip not without some hardship, as we started in a driving
blizzard.

It was an absolutely astounding experience for her. All you have to
mention is "Grand Canyon" and she still gets a dreamy look on her face.

There are sights and sounds you will never experience sitting in the
living room. It's not just a bunch of pine trees; it's that you can see
things that are completely new and different on every hike. And you
*earn* those sights, those experiences. They don't come to you passively
courtesy of ABC or Fox.

I'm about to take the same newbie on a cross-Smokies hike; 26 miles in 2
days; 4,000 feet up one day and 4,000 feet down the second day. We'll get
to see several different ecosystems, waterfalls, creeks, maybe bears.
I'm really curious about the difference between the east and west sides
of the Park; I've never done this hike either. You never know what you'll
find.

Last week, I was teaching spin class and we had a newbie. I could tell
she wouldn't last; no matter what we did she sat there and turned the
pedals v..e..r..y s..l..o..w..l..y. After about 5 minutes, she said,
"this is no fun", and left. You get out of it what you put into it.

It's the difference between being a doer and an observer; a passive person
that things happen to and a person who makes things happen.

Bottom line is, I can be sitting on top of Mt. LeConte, sipping my red
wine and enjoying a stunning sunset with friends, and recounting the day's
experiences, or sitting in my living, sipping my wine, and thinking about
what to do to avoid boredom....

--Kamus

[Traveler4D]

Post by Auntie Em
No, I'm not a troll, just curious - really as to what the attraction is. I

come from a long line of people who don't particularly enjoy the outdoors>

Perhaps you may find better company in the "Lifestyles of Wine Sipping Eclectic
Jazz Listening Coutch Potatoes Who Do Not Understand Any Other Lifestyles"
board? At least there you may be able to find others with your particular
point of view. Some things are just beyond understanding to be sure, this
obviously is your envelop limit. Why anyone would choose to sit around
stroking a cat letting a beautiful day pass them by outside I guess is the
envelope limit for me.

[Gary S.]

Post by Traveler4D

Post by Auntie Em
No, I'm not a troll, just curious - really as to what the attraction is. I

come from a long line of people who don't particularly enjoy the outdoors>
Perhaps you may find better company in the "Lifestyles of Wine Sipping Eclectic
Jazz Listening Coutch Potatoes Who Do Not Understand Any Other Lifestyles"
board? At least there you may be able to find others with your particular
point of view. Some things are just beyond understanding to be sure, this
obviously is your envelop limit. Why anyone would choose to sit around
stroking a cat letting a beautiful day pass them by outside I guess is the
envelope limit for me.

I don't recall the details, but there is a quote along the lines of
"those who understand need no explanation why, those who need an
explanation will never understand".

There is no requirement that all enjoy the outdoors. Some do, some
don't. But if it gets paved over, none will have the chance.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

[Traveler4D]

Post by Gary S.
there is a quote along the lines of

"those who understand need no explanation why, those who need an
explanation will never understand".>

I like that, though it does sound familiar, Thoreauesque to be sure.

[Dan Goodman]

Post by Gary S.

Post by Gary S.
there is a quote along the lines of

"those who understand need no explanation why, those who need an
explanation will never understand".>
I like that, though it does sound familiar, Thoreauesque to be sure.

Among other things, it parallels my favorite old No Fear t-shirt:

Dangerous Sports: Those who do, understand. Those who don't, never will.

[Shaman]

Post by Auntie Em
Forgive the off-topic reply but this absolutely ASTOUNDS me. Why would you
do this? I have been to Yosemite, every square foot of it looks like every
other square foot of it, let alone 16 miles of it. It flabbergasts me to
think that someone would put themselves through this to look at a pine tree
that looks just like 100,000 other pine trees. Please explain this to me. I
am so curious.

Clearly, our hikes took us to places that were not like every other
part of the park. The first day we hiked to the top of Upper Yosemite
Falls. We climbed out to the face where you can see the water gushing
off the edge and feel the mist blasting back on your face as the wind
channeled up the wall face. Those 10 minutes there made the whole hike
worthwhile. You can experience that on the valley floor.

The second day we took an abandoned trail along the mountainside
opposite of Bridalveil falls. From there, we had astounding views of
the valley floor and the falls on the other side. Again, this is not a
perspective that one can get from the bottom. And besides, we weren't
huddled into the same group of tourists that almost every one else was
in the same areas below.

[Dale Peterson]

Shaman,
Here's my short story on hip pain. Some years ago my wife and I left Orange
County, CA and the blacktop, we bought a farm in Oregon. After a couple
weeks of walking the farm and doing farm type chores I started having hip
pain. I went to the local Doctor who advised me that I wasn't accustomed to
walking on uneven ground, Orange County was pretty flat if you stayed on
the sidewalks. Sure enough after a couple months the problem subsided. End
of story..

Dale

Post by Shaman
I want to know if anyone has experience or knowledge in handling this
problem.
My wife and I went to Yosemite and hiked 16 miles in two days (with
about 5,000' in elevation gain). We are in our mid-30s and in
generally good shape. I weigh 150. When I hike, I don't get terribly
tired or sore; mostly the same kind of response as your typical hiker.
However, sometimes after a hike I get a lot of pain in my hip joints.
So much so that I can barely lift my leg up. It goes away after a few
days, but I'm concerned that I will have trouble on a multi-day
backcountry trip that I have planned this summer. Any ideas on
* I use trekking poles.
* I don't take any supplements for joints, although I've heard a lot of
hype. Are they worth it?
* I don't use any special hiking techniques, but someone told me there
is a special way that long-distance hikers move their legs.
* I didn't have a backpack on during the hikes mentioned above, just a
daypack, so weight was not the issue.
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[rick++]

Post by Shaman
* I excercise fairly regularly, but not intensely. Mostly long walks
and mountain bike rides.

Its probably the uphill and downhill (worse). You have to incorporate
some hill work (or stairs) in your training. Also take easier hikes
the first few days.

[r***@gmail.com]

Chiming in on "It flabbergasts me to
think that someone would put themselves through this to look at a pine tree
that looks just like 100,000 other pine trees." I actually think they have a point when it comes to the MAIN ROADS of Yosemite where 99.9 percent of tourists go. When I went there for the first time, I was shocked at how underwhelming it all was, and boring and colorless. And I love nature and national parks. But I did some research on the back country and discovered the true gems in Yosemite, like along the John Muir Trail and other trails, require true backcountry backpacking. I'm doing my own hike in a couple weeks out of Tuolomne and though I've never done it the pictures look incredible, like nothing I ever saw as a tourist. I'm doing 36 miles in the backcountry and here's hoping I'm right that it won't feel like just a pine tree that looks like every other pine tree.

[gr]

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM combo works for some folks (did for me and
my knees. It is supposed to help the lubrication between joints (if your
problem is worse than that (like bone on bone), then it will not help. I
get mine at BJ's. For me it took 30 days to kick in- after taking them,
I stood up from the couch one day and realized it did not hurt like it
had been.

Post by r***@gmail.com
Chiming in on "It flabbergasts me to
think that someone would put themselves through this to look at a pine tree
that looks just like 100,000 other pine trees." I actually think they have a point when it comes to the MAIN ROADS of Yosemite where 99.9 percent of tourists go. When I went there for the first time, I was shocked at how underwhelming it all was, and boring and colorless. And I love nature and national parks. But I did some research on the back country and discovered the true gems in Yosemite, like along the John Muir Trail and other trails, require true backcountry backpacking. I'm doing my own hike in a couple weeks out of Tuolomne and though I've never done it the pictures look incredible, like nothing I ever saw as a tourist. I'm doing 36 miles in the backcountry and here's hoping I'm right that it won't feel like just a pine tree that looks like every other pine tree.

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